From Catriona Laird:
CHIP Collective’s first kickstarter project Living With Cancer: Our Stories is a comic anthology featuring 6 real stories from people affected by cancer in some way, whether that connection is a diagnosis of themselves or a loved one or being a medical expert in the field researching or treating the disease itself. Featured in the book also are 6 illustrations relating to either quotes from the stories or relating to CHIP Collective’s ideals.
CHIP stands for Comics Help Inform People (highly inspired from the co-founders having burgers and chips at the time of creating the name) which is true, comics can help inform on a variety of topics especially topics under the graphic medicine umbrella. Breaking up difficult terminology with visuals and narrative can help people from all ranges of reading comprehension understand the complexities of illness and disease and it also helps create a bond between storyteller and reader, especially with the more personal stories of diagnoses and the journey of living with the condition. Solidarity and comfort to those who need it is a primary focus for each of the stories.
Another of CHIP’s goals is to ensure artists and creatives involved in the projects are paid fairly for their work. The kickstarter, which runs for another 7 days (as of this email being sent) is raising the funds to pay the artists and get the books printed to be sent to backers but also distributed into schools, hospitals, GP offices and people’s homes. All profits from further sales of any of the books from then on will go directly to Cancer Research UK to help with the fight against cancer.
The books are estimated to be printed and distributed between november and december this year for kickstarter backers so backing the project is the best way to ensure you get a copy of the book whether it be a PDF copy or a physical copy. Other rewards also include A3 posters of the illustrations featured in the book.
CHIP collective wants to make more and more anthologies of this kind so following us on social media and letting us know what you want to see in future is a good place to start!
If you are interested or able, I recommend purchasing a copy through their Kickstarter link: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/chipcollective/living-with-cancer-our-stories/
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