2015 Maximize Global Cancer Awareness Campaign
Essay Contest Guidelines
Are you a cancer survivor or caregiver who has overcome adversity? Are you eager
to help others find their inner strength by sharing your story? The 2015 Maximize
Life Global Cancer Awareness Campaign Essay Contest is an exciting opportunity
for individuals impacted by cancer to share their inspirational stories about how
they overcame fear to improve their lives and/or the lives of others.
Essays may be submitted in English, French or Spanish, and one winner will be
selected for each language group by a panel of reviewers selected by The Max
Foundation. Essay winners for each language group will receive an award of
US$300. Additionally, the three winners will have the opportunity to select
a Max Global Network partner organization of their choice to receive
US$500.
The Max Foundation is excited to embark on this journey of self-expression, and we
look forward to helping individuals around the word spread their stories of hope and
courage.
SUBMISSION DEADLINE:
To enter, submit your essay and essay contest cover sheet (see last page of this
packet) by email to news@themaxfoundation.org or to The Max Foundation
representative in your region. Submissions will be accepted from July 21st
to August 18thth.
ACCEPTANCE CRITERIA:
Readability: Essays will not be judged based on grammar; however, in order for
the essay to be judged, it must satisfy minimal professional standards of
readability for publication on The Max Foundation website.
Language: Authors may submit essays in English, French and Spanish
Format & Length: Essays must be submitted as a Word document via email.
Essays must be between 800 and 1000 words in length and should not exceed
two pages single spaced. Color images or photos may be included, but will not
increase chances of winning and may be published at the discretion of The Max
Foundation.
EVALUATION CRITERIA:
1. Relevance to the goals of the Maximize Life Campaign (45%)
The goals of the Maximize Life Global Cancer Awareness Campaign are to:
o
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decrease feelings of isolation and increase feelings of hope for survivors
and caregivers impacted by a cancer diagnosis, and
increase local community awareness and support for people living with
cancer in low- and middle-income countries.
A strong essay would address these goals by touching on some of the following
questions in the author’s own, unique way:
o
o
o
o
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How have you been impacted by cancer?
How did you find the strength to get through it?
What did the experience reveal to you about personal strength and
courage?
What inspiring or encouraging message do you have for others facing a
cancer diagnosis?
What are the needs of people impacted by cancer that are often
overlooked by family members or the broader community?
2. Potential to inspire positive change in others who are facing a cancer
diagnosis (40%)
Through self-expression, we hope your essay will encourage people to harness
their fear and doubt and find the strength to become an advocate for
themselves and others. A strong essay would help shine a light for those
currently in a darker place due to fear and uncertainty. It would also be written
in a way that is relatable for individuals facing challenges and could provide
them with an empowering sense of hope that they too can overcome adversity.
The following are examples of questions that touch on this element:
o How have you used your experience with cancer to help others in a similar
situation?
o What is advocacy to you and do you consider yourself an advocate? Why
or why not?
o What message or advice would you share with others who would like to
create awareness and positive change for people living with cancer in their
community?
EVALUATION CRITERIA CONTINUED:
3. Original (5%), creative (5%) and clear messaging (5%)
While the essays will not be graded on grammatical accuracy, it is important
that the essay content be original to the author and have a message that is
clear and easy to understand. Strong essays will also show a level of creativity
in how the story is conveyed. These three elements add up to a combined
weight of 15%.
ELIGIBILITY:
o
o
o
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Contestants are not required to be a member of a Max Global Network
partner organization, but contestants must be willing to select a partner
organization to receive the US$500 award if the contestant is selected as
a winner
Contestant must be either a cancer survivor or caregiver
Essays must be submitted with a cover sheet
Contestant must submit their essay in English, French or Spanish
Contestant must be willing have their essay publicized via The Max
Foundation website, social media outlets, and print materials
JUDGING:
The Max Foundation Evaluation: Beginning August 21st, a multilingual panel of
community members selected by The Max Foundation will evaluate each essay
based upon the criteria stated above. Essays will be ranked based on how well the
essay meets the criteria. The top ranking essay contestant in each language group
will be selected as the winner (3 winners total).
Results: The 3 winners and all contestants will be notified in the middle of
September. A public announcement will be made on The Max Foundation website
and through the Max Global Network in October as part of the 2015 Maximize Life
Global Cancer Awareness Campaign.
Awards: The authors of the winning 3 essays will each receive an award of US$300
and may select a Max Global Network partner of their choice to receive an award of
US$500.
*Kindly note that by The Max Foundation reserves the right to reprint essays submitted to the 2015
Maximize Life Global Cancer Awareness Campaign Essay Contest via social media, blogs, The Max
Foundation website, and printed materials.
2015 Maximize Life
Global Cancer
Awareness Campaign
Essay Contest Cover Sheet
Please attach this form with your essay and email it to
news@themaxfoundation.org or The Max Foundation representative in your
region by August 18th.
First and Last Name:
Click here to enter text.
Are you a Survivor or
Caregiver:
Click here to enter text.
Country of residence:
Click here to enter text.
Phone Number:
Click here to enter text.
Email Address:
Click here to enter text.
Essay Title:
Click here to enter text.
Patient association you
are a member of
(optional):
Click here to enter text.
Important note: By submitting your essay to the 2015 Maximize Life Global
Cancer Awareness Campaign Essay Contest, copyright of the essay is transferred to
The Max Foundation. Essays and materials submitted may appear in Max
publications, social media, and on The Max Foundation website.
Thank you for your submission!