Your Life, Your Legacy: Legacy Planning for Young Adults with Cancer

b-present Team | January 23, 2025

When you hear the term “legacy planning,” you might think of legal documents or financial plans. But for young adults with cancer, it’s so much more. Legacy planning is about celebrating who you are, sharing your unique story, and creating meaningful connections with the people who matter most.

It’s not about preparing for death—it’s about shaping how you’ll be remembered and finding joy in the process. Whether it’s a handwritten letter, a photo album, or a simple but powerful conversation, your legacy is yours to shape.

What is Legacy Planning?

At its core, legacy planning is the act of capturing and sharing what makes you, you. It’s about preserving your values, memories, and passions in ways that resonate with your unique identity. While traditional legacy planning might focus on legal and financial matters, this is about something more personal: creating something that reflects your life’s meaning and impacts those around you.

For young adults facing a cancer diagnosis, legacy planning isn’t about giving up or focusing on the end, it’s a way to “create your own closure notebook”, celebrate your life, connect with others, and leave behind your story the way you want it told. It’s about showing up, even when life feels uncertain, and creating a ripple effect of connection and meaning.

“Helping people to share stories about their special things is one of the nostalgia steps.” -Heidi Struve Currey

Ways to Create Your Legacy

Your legacy doesn’t have to be grand. The simplest gestures often carry the deepest meaning. Here are some ideas to inspire you:

Write Letters or Journals

A handwritten letter or journal can be a beautiful way to share your thoughts, wisdom, and love with the people who mean the most to you. You can write letters to family, friends, or even your future self—a time capsule of your hopes and dreams.

Capture Memories Through Photos and Videos

Documenting your favorite memories through photos or videos is a powerful way to celebrate your life. Create a scrapbook, record video messages, or compile a digital slideshow of moments that bring you joy.

Create a Personal Project

Are you passionate about art, music, or writing? Use your creativity to craft something that reflects who you are. From paintings and songs to blogs or poetry, these personal projects can carry your voice and vision far into the future.

Build Keepsakes for Loved Ones

Personalized keepsakes like scrapbooks, quilts, or jewelry can serve as tangible reminders of your connection to loved ones. These items can hold special meaning for those you care about.

Give Back to Your Community

One of the most impactful legacies is creating change in the world around you. Consider donating to a cause that’s close to your heart, volunteering, starting a fundraiser, or sharing your story so others feel less alone.

The Emotional Benefits of Legacy Planning

Legacy planning is not just for the benefit of others; it’s also a gift to yourself. The process of reflecting on your life can:

Provide clarity: Reflecting on your values and experiences can help you gain perspective and identify what matters most to you.
Boost emotional well-being: Sharing your story and creating something meaningful can foster a sense of accomplishment and peace.
Strengthen connections: Engaging loved ones in your legacy planning can deepen relationships and create lasting bonds.

“I would say great support starts with authenticity and being present … Whatever you can do to outsource some of the tactical (e.g. taking notes at doctor’s appointments) so you have the time to just be and engage and communicate, hear the stories, laugh and create memories because it’s so, so precious.” -Heidi Struve Currey

Legacy planning offers comfort, hope, and empowerment to young adults navigating the challenges of cancer. Every moment matters, and your story deserves to be celebrated.

How to Start Legacy Planning

Taking the first step might feel overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be. Here’s how to begin:

1. Reflect on What Matters Most
  - Ask yourself, “What do I want to be remembered for?” or “What moments define my life?”
2. Pick a Medium That Feels Right
  - Whether it’s writing, art, music, videos, or purposeful actions to create future change, choose something that resonates with you.
  - Also, think about any legacy planning boundaries you might have. What would you prefer not sharing, what images are off limits, who do you want to be involved in the process, and who is better suited to filling a different support role? Defining what feels right, as well as what to avoid, ensures the highest likelihood of a positive and rewarding experience for everyone.
3. Involve Loved Ones
  - Invite friends or family to contribute memories, ideas, or support. Legacy planning can be a collaborative, bonding experience.
4. Start Small
  - A single heartfelt letter or project can create a lasting impact See how it goes, and grow from there. Each will be a learning experience that shines a light on where you want to go next.
5. Create Your Own Closure Map
  - This workbook by First40 will guide you through the process of creating your personal Closure Map. Along this 40-step journey, you’ll complete a variety of activities and exercises — some tactical, some nostalgic, some focused on self-care, all customizable to your unique situation.

Your Legacy Starts with Connection

Legacy planning is your chance to reflect your values, share your story, and connect with the people who matter most. Whether it’s writing a letter, creating a photo album, or starting a community project, the steps you take today can strengthen relationships and leave a lasting impact. Don’t wait—start mapping out your legacy now and start working toward your goal to ensure your story lives on the way you want it to.

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communication workbook