Our Stories – Our Strength
A collection from the chronic intestinal failure community
| Download Form → | Timeline |
Express interest in Our Stories – Our Strength, a StephUp LLC Book Project created in partnership with the Short Bowel Syndrome Foundation community. Share art, short stories, or literature reviews rooted in lived experience with SBS and chronic GI conditions. Submissions for review are due by the end of February, with a publish target of July 2027 for Disability Awareness Month. A planning team member will follow up to explain the project and answer questions.
Between disease, changed anatomy, and lifelong symptoms, many people lose access to activities they once enjoyed. Several in our community have turned to reading, writing, and art — and this project creates space to share those pieces with a wider audience.
Chronic GI conditions are often invisible. People can wait years for a diagnosis. Flare-ups come and go. Creative work is one way to build awareness and show that life with SBS and related conditions still holds meaning, skill, and voice.
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Review Deadline |
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Publish Target |
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Formats |
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Pencil Phase 2026 – Jan 2027 Write & create · Research for printing |
Red Pen Phase Dec 2026 – Feb 2027 Edit works · Confirm printer |
Inking Phase Feb – May 2027 Submit to printer · Review preview |
Narration Phase June 2027 + Publish · Share · Celebrate |
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Art Painting, drawing, photography, watercolor, digital, sculpture (photo of 3D work), and more. |
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Short Story About 1,500–4,500 words. Fiction or lived-experience narrative. |
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Literature Review Reflective or researched writing on SBS, chronic GI life, or related themes. |
If under 18, a parent or guardian must provide permission. Multiple submissions are okay — please limit to under 5. Not every piece may be published in this first round. This project is led by StephUp LLC in partnership with the Short Bowel Syndrome Foundation community.
Download the PDF interest form, fill it out, and return it to the planning team. Someone will follow up to explain the project and answer questions.
Our Stories – Our Strength is a StephUp LLC Book Project created in partnership with the Short Bowel Syndrome Foundation community. SBSF helps connect community members to the project; leadership, review, and publication are managed by StephUp LLC.
Contact information will not be sold or shared outside project use. Consent for publication and optional spotlight details is confirmed later with the planning team before anything goes public.