BLR 25th Anniversary

Twenty-five years ago, BLR began with a simple but radical belief: that stories matter—especially in moments of illness, uncertainty, and healing. What started as a small literary project has grown into an awarding-winning and nationally-recognized journal. BLR is now an independent nonprofit and a vibrant community of writers, readers, clinicians, patients, and caregivers who understand that creativity can be a lifeline. Again and again, we’ve seen how poetry, fiction, nonfiction, and the arts help people name what feels unsayable, create meaning from vulnerability, and feel less alone in experiences that medicine itself often cannot address.
As we mark this 25th anniversary, we invite you to celebrate with us. Throughout the year, we’ll be hosting special events, both in-person and online, that reflect the breadth of BLR’s work and the community that sustains it—gatherings that bring together storytelling, conversation, and connection.

 

Our Art in Medicine program for medical trainees and our Writing Workshops all begin this month. See below for next events in our series, Conversations on Creative Writing in Healthcare.
For our Weekly Reads this year, we’ll be highlighting 50 issues of BLR since 2001, a remarkable archive of more than 10,000 pages, and represents the collective creative efforts of some 2000 writers, editors, reviewers, and artists. 

 

We’re also honored to introduce our 25th Anniversary Honorary Committee, a group of more than 100 people—including Abraham Verghese, Atul Gawande, Lucy Kalanithi, Delia Ephron, Anne Fadiman, Edward Hirsch, Naomi Shihab Nye, Daniel Mason, and Patricia Spears Jones—who embody the values and vision that have guided BLR since its founding.
This milestone moment is also a chance to look ahead. If BLR’s work has ever resonated with you—as a reader, writer, clinician, patient, or supporter—I hope you’ll consider being part of our 25th Anniversary Campaign. Your support helps ensure that BLR can continue creating spaces where stories of health, illness, and healing are welcomed, valued, and shared.
On behalf of the entire BLR community, thank you for being here. We’re grateful for the past 25 years—and even more excited for what we’ll build together in the years to come.
Danielle Ofri, Editor-in-Chief
BLR 25th Anniversary Honorary Committee
BLR 25th Anniversary Events
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