From A Place Called Hope - By DIANNE

Written By: DIANNE

Category: Essay

Competition: Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026

In the compelling essay "From A Place Called Hope," DIANNE delves into the deeply emotional experience of facing cancer. As a part of the Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026, this essay falls under the Essay category, offering a powerful exploration of resilience against one of life's most challenging adversities. DIANNE's narrative is a heartfelt account that captures the essence of hope and faith amidst despair.

About the Work

DIANNE's work poignantly captures the devastating impact of cancer while weaving a narrative of hope and resilience. The essay is rich with emotional depth, exploring themes of fear, strength, and the search for solace. Through vivid imagery and a sincere tone, the piece conveys a message of enduring hope and the unwavering support found in faith and community.

From A Place Called Hope

Original Submission by DIANNE

From a Place Called Hope

Cancer. A small word, yet it inflicts the greatest possible pain a human being could ever feel. It comes unsuspecting, creeping through, ready to steal and destroy. It crushes hopes, dreams, and hearts. It affects lives in unimaginable numbers. Its magnitude intensifies every minute of knowing, until it shakes you to the core of your very being. And there you will be, left unprepared, puzzled, stumped. There you will be, asking a million "whys."

Cancer? It changes lives. To see someone full of life and strength slowly wither and weaken right before your eyes. To see someone’s independence being snatched away. The changing personality which you cannot control. The once-sharp mind full of memories getting torn piece by piece like paper, fading into the abyss. Like a picture, painfully fading and losing its color.

Cancer changes you.

Cancer’s point of attack is the body, but its effect goes far beyond it-from a weakened body, to pain, to fear. From your emotions, to your heart, to your soul, and to your loved ones. This is the reality of cancer.

“So where do you find the will and strength to go through it?”

Everywhere we can. Every nook and crevice, wherever we can find comfort and hope.

See, God is truly faithful. For He offers and provides comfort and hope from both likely and unlikely places:

From soul-wrenching news from doctors, to trivial, unnoticeable developments. From prayers of healing and provision, to the heartwarming meals prepared by friends. From shoulders who come knocking when the days are difficult and offer to be leaned on, to hands that are extended to be held while on the tiring and endless hospital trips. From words of love and encouragement from family and friends, to simple acts of kindness from strangers.

God constantly reminds us that He is our comfort. And the great thing about the comfort that comes from God is that “we are able to comfort those in trouble with the same comfort we receive from Him.” (2 Corinthians 1:3-4)

“So where do you find the will and strength?”

In the corner of the room, next to the window. FROM A PLACE CALLED HOPE.

About the Competition

The Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026 by Hashtag Kalakar showcases diverse voices from around the world, celebrating creativity and expression. The competition invites participants to share their unique perspectives through poetry, short stories, essays, and creative writing, fostering a global community of writers and thinkers.

Thank you, DIANNE, for sharing "From A Place Called Hope" with us. Your participation in the Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026 has brought a poignant and inspiring voice to the conversation around cancer and resilience. We appreciate your heartfelt contribution and the courage it embodies.

About Hashtag Kalakar

Hashtag Kalakar is a creative platform dedicated to providing artists, writers, singers and other creative talents with opportunities to showcase their work and reach wider audiences through competitions, features and creative initiatives.