Submissions for
Vol.4 are open 

VOLUME 4: Diagnosis 

​What was the journey of your diagnosis?

 

For Volume 4, we're inviting submissions that explore the diagnosis process and what diagnosis means to you. We want to explore:

• What was the direct impact of hearing your diagnosis for the first time?

• How did getting a diagnosis feel? How has that feeling changed over time?

• What do you want others to know and understand about being recently diagnosed?

• How did your relationship with your body shift post-diagnosis, including what you worried about losing and what you could still do?

• How did you navigate the practical aftermath of a diagnosis; appointments, testing, insurance, school/work, and lifestyle changes?

• Has your diagnosis led you to a new form of community or group of people?

• In what ways has your diagnosis helped you cope with disability?

• Tell us about how you navigated the diagnosis process:

            - What was the process like? Length of time, testing, appointments, etc.

            - How did navigating the healthcare system impact your diagnosis journey?

            - Did you experience a diagnosis delay or gap in diagnosis for your condition?

            - Were people in your life supportive of your diagnosis? (Family/friends/medical team)

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*As you reflect on your diagnosis process, do not disclose healthcare professionals, clinics/offices, or insurance companies by name. We will not publish identifying information.

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Your reflection may take any creative form that feels comfortable—a personal essay, flash fiction, poem,  photograph, comic, artwork, or anything else you can think of. COPE provides a space to share with others in the chronic illness community how they feel and offers the opportunity to discover new coping strategies.

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

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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. 

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

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DEADLINE FOR SUBMISSION IS JUNE 6, 2026