The Cancer Journal Project

I just recently found out about this organization The Cancer Journal Project and I was immediately drawn to the story of how this organization came to be. Today, I was given the great privilege of interviewing Rob Trahan who gave me a little more insight to what this organization does.

On May 8, 2013, 28-year-old Ashley Irving found that she had stage 4 stomach cancer. She had been to several doctors and knew something wasn't right with her body, but to her dismay every doctor dismissed her claims. Until it was too late! Ashley decided to keep a journal so she could work through her diagnosis. The journal helped her cop with her feelings and gave her comfort in bad times. The journal was meant to help her in that moment; it was never meant to survive the cancer. She planned on burning the journal once she was cancer free. Sadly, that day never came, but now Ashley's words live on as a testament to her life and spirit.

As her husband, Kenan read the journal once his wife had passed away he realized that on the very last page was a list of all the things Ashley wanted to do if she had lived. Among them was one that stood out to him, she wanted to start a charity. With reading those words he gave birth to The Cancer Journal Project.

Kenan has since released excerpts from his wife’s journal along with artwork that has been designed around her words. It is his hope that Ashley's words will help others who are facing a tremendous adversity to know that anything is possible. Her journal has even inspired one artist, Rob Trahan to write a song using Ashley's words.

The Cancer Journal Project is completely 100% self-funded and all the donations go directly to the Make-A-Wish Foundation. Ashley loved Disney World and it seems only appropriate that the money go to help sick children make memories with their families while they still can. It cost about $6500 to make a families wish of going to Disney World a reality. They need as much help as possible. So please share Ashley and The Cancer Journal's story.

The song that is inspired by Ashley's journal Bat's and Fireflies is available for purchase on iTunes, Amazon, and Google Play.

Check out a preview of the song: