Some days are hard. Writing emotionally vulnerable appeals can be draining… and, well… emotional.

Today is one of those days.

I’m writing the second of three waves for a charity that serves young people impacted by cancer.

It’s raw. It’s emotional. It hits hard in the feels.

I did three different interviews.

One with a young lady whose father died from cancer when she was 13 years old.

One with an incredible counsellor who works with young people who are diagnosed with cancer or who have a parent or sibling diagnosed. She helps them determine their life impact — what their loved one has taught them that will live beyond their death… or what they want to live on once they have passed from this world.

The third interview was with a wonderful fellow who gets to be the ‘fun and games’ person with this organization… providing teens and young people with activities and adventures where they can connect with others going through similar experiences.

It’s all very amazing stuff. And I know these appeals are going to be super compelling for donors. They will show real impact and inspire them to give.

But… I’m not going to lie.

As I write this second letter… I’m feeling drained. I feel sad. And raw.

I’m going through some personal things too.

I have a teenager… and it’s hard not to imagine her going through this kind of experience.

And so… I need a moment to process. To cry. To hold my loved ones close. To talk about it with my beloved. And to breathe.

To be thankful that organizations like this exist… and that my loved ones don’t currently need to access them.

I acknowledge that it’s hard work writing these emotionally vulnerable appeals… especially as a highly sensitive, empathetic human being.

But I believe it’s worth it.

If you work with or for one of these highly emotionally charged nonprofit organizations, how do you cope? How do you stay present and open, vulnerable, while also protecting your emotional well-being?