Submissions for Vol.2
are open

"Chronic Connections: Navigating Relationships Through Illness"

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Chronic illnesses fundamentally change the landscape of our relationships. In Volume 2 of COPE MAGAZINE, we want to explore how chronic illness impacts our connections to those around us. As we enter the holiday season, especially centered around spending time with those in our orbit, this issue will reflect on the following topics:

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• How does chronic illness reshape family dynamics and roles?

• In what ways are dating and partnership impacted while managing chronic conditions?

• How do friendships evolve, strengthen, or fade during health challenges?

• Why is building community with others who understand your experience important?

• What is the unique intimacy that emerges through caregiving relationships?

• How do you set boundaries and communicate needs to loved ones?

• What ways are peer relationships in school/work settings significant to coping?

 

Your reflection may take any creative form that feels comfortable—a personal essay, flash fiction, poem,  photograph, comic, or artwork. In this issue, COPE provides a space to share with others in the chronic illness community feel and offers the opportunity to discover new coping strategies.

 

Written works should be a MAXIMUM OF 4 PAGES (double spaced, size 12 font).

 

You may submit A MAXIMUM OF 2 WORKS for this issue, and please submit them IN 2 SEPARATE FORM RESPONSES.

 

You can choose to answer any question(s) that resonate with you. 

 

COPE magazine will not accept work generated by or partially including AI.

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DEADLINE FOR SUBMISSION IS NOVEMBER 9TH, 2025