Everyone has a story.

Now over two decades into this job, each week my job is made possible because of that lead sentence.

Some weeks are tougher than others. It’s a small town after all and while everyone has a story, not everyone wants to share it.

Interestingly enough, not everyone realizes the impact, lesson and even inspiration their individual story lends to others.

I’ve learned this myself over the past handful of years, as I’ve publicly shared much of my journey through cancer. What I’ve learned through my incessant “open book” approach is that others have indeed been either inspired or educated in a way which has benefitted their own life or that of a loved one. Pretty cool.

What still baffles my brain is how many individuals and families within our small community have been touched by something. Many in the 95361 have (sadly) walked their own path with cancer, others with diabetes, epilepsy and yes, Alzheimer’s.

So just as everyone has a story, every month seems to also have an “Awareness.”

Returning to the desk after a year away, I felt called to find a way to make a difference.

How as a paper could we better serve each of you? While I can’t help with getting your papers delivered on time or not thrown into the bushes and sprinklers, I can challenge myself to think a bit outside the box.

This brings me to our new monthly series, “Courage in the Community,” which will showcase a local individual or family sharing the story of their own journey with a disease or illness.

I chose the word “courage” because of its simple definition, “strength in the face of pain or grief.” Whether one is dealing with cancer, diabetes, Alzheimer’s or a list of others this holds true.

The goal of this series is not to offer sad, depressing, Eeyore-inspired pieces but rather to share with the community their path via symptoms, diagnosis, medical intervention, mindset, whatever the individual is open to share. It’s intended to be educational and inspiring.

The topic each month will be dictated by the given “Awareness Month” and at the end of each piece we will call out or prompt for submission of upcoming months if a need is there for additional content.

It’s important for all of us to both remember, as well as understand, not everyone will want to tell their story. I respect that. Equally however, I’ve come to learn that for some, while it is hard, painful and upsetting, it’s equally empowering as they share their lessons for the good of someone else.

This I believe you’ll find to be the case as we kick off the series in the Sept. 24 issue with the story of Wyatt Jones in observance of Childhood Cancer Awareness Month. Wyatt’s mom Amanda openly shares the story of her son’s battle, eight short months after his passing this past January.

The love and bravery shown by Wyatt’s mom, as she shares their story is truly inspiring and exactly what this series aims to be.

We hope you follow along, as well as contribute wherever you see fit.

Teresa Hammond is a staff reporter for The Oakdale Leader, The Riverbank News and The Escalon Times. She may be reached at thammond@oakdaleleader.com or by calling 209-847-3021.