Patient Stories

Telling Your Story

We have found that the best way to raise awareness is by people sharing their own stories. Hearing about the impact from an individual who is dealing with a particular issue, along with a first name and face, really makes a difference.

What stories are we accepting and when will they be shared?

You can send stories for these categories at any time during the year:
Supplemental Oxygen – We aren’t sure when these will be shared just yet. Likely in the first half of the year.
Rare Disease or Rare Disorder – These stories will be shared in February in the lead up to Rare Disease Day on February 28th.
Bronchiectasis – These stories will be shared in June in the leadup to World Bronchiectasis Day.

Who can submit a story?

You can submit your own story, the story of a deceased loved one, or someone else is you are their legal guardian. The story may fall under one or more of the areas listed above. If you would like your story to be used for more than one category, you need to send a story for each category. Usually the story would be slightly different.

How will the stories be shared?

Stories will be shared on Facebook, Instagram and probably Twitter. Some supplemental oxygen stories may also be shared on our blog.

What you need to know before submitting a story:

We might not use it.
We might use it next year.
By sending us your story and picture you give us permission to use it on our social meda sites which include, but are not limited to, Facebook, Instagram and Twitter. You also give us permission to use them on our websites, www.RunningOnAir.org and www.RunningOnAir.blog.
If you want your story to be considered for more than one category you must email your story for each category in which you wish to be included.
We may edit your story for readability and length.
Stories are typically shared in the order in which we receive them.
We only use first names.

What to include in your story

Your story is yours to tell. Some things to consider including in your bronchiectasis, rare disease or PCD story are:

When were you diagnosed?
How did you feel when you received the diagnosis?
How long did it take you to get diagnosed?
What does a typical day look like for you?
Is there anything you’ve had to change since receiving your diagnosis?

Some things to consider if your writing a supplemental oxygen story are:

How long have you been on supplemental oxygen?
What kind of oxygen equipment do you use?
How was the process of getting your equipment?
Have your oxygen needs changed since starting supplemental oxygen?
How has your life changed since being on supplemental oxygen?

How to submit your story:

You can email your story to stories@RunningOnAir.org and include the following:

In the subject line put which category your story is for (oxygen, bronchiectasis, rare disease, PCD). If you want your story considered for multiple categories, send a separate email for each category (i.e. if you are sending for rare disease and bronchiectasis, send 2 emails, one with the subject of rare disease and the other with the subject bronchiectasis).

Send your story in the body of the email, not as an attachment.

Please include at least one picture. We find pictures help the reader connect deeper with your story. If you are submitting a story for a minor, please send us a photo that is at least 2 years old instead of a recent photo.

If you are sending an oxygen story, please include the state you live in.