“I was four years old, an age of innocence and wonder, when illness decided to appear, without asking for permission. Back then, as I now say while approaching my 17th birthday, I didn’t pay much attention to the disease, and perhaps that was for the best, because, after all, I never wanted to have a long relationship with it. I understand that the situation was far more worrying for my family, especially for my parents and siblings. However, I still remember that strange feeling that something was not right, and I can still picture my mother sitting on a sofa, crying (…).
I also find it interesting that I never really remember thinking about what my life could be like without the disease — living without it, without having to be in a hospital — and even now, I cannot imagine my life without carrying it with me…”
“It all began 11 years ago. There I was, 12 years old, in a room in the pediatric ward at IPO, accompanied by my mother and father, when a blonde, blue-eyed girl walked through the door, smiling and full of energy. She started talking to me, even though it was clear that I had little interest in listening, and suddenly all my attention was drawn to her words: ‘I’m Madalena, I’m from Acreditar, and I’m a Barnabé. I’ve been in that bed too, I’ve lost my hair too, and I know exactly what you’re feeling.’
Immediately, I focused on her long blonde hair and thought: ‘It is possible! If she is here, it means she made it through, and there is hope for me too!’ From that day on, my story with Acreditar began to be written.
Throughout my treatment journey, I received tireless and unconditional support from all the association’s volunteers, whether through the many summer camps I attended or through special outings to the circus, the zoo, and the theatre.
The opportunity that Acreditar gave me to share that entire experience with children and young people going through the same situation — people who could truly understand me perfectly — was a source of support beyond measure, one that I will never forget and that still makes all the difference today.
Nine years after the end of that terrible experience, I am still part of this incredible association, although now in a different role. Today, I am a volunteer, and I try to pass on to those going through treatment what that volunteer shared with me 11 years ago — something I know I will never forget. It truly makes all the difference, and I believe that the real value lies in making the very best we can out of negative experiences.
As far as it depends on me, I will always remain connected to Acreditar, because the kindness, strength, friendships, sense of connection, and well-being it has given me — and continues to give me — are essential parts of my life.”
“Volunteers enter our lives during a more difficult time, but after touching our hearts, an eternal and sincere friendship is born, along with laughter, heartfelt conversations, and endless talks. To me, what volunteers do is something indescribable and incomparable. A heartfelt thank you from the bottom of my heart.”
“I remember not liking the feeling of leaving the room where I stayed, as it meant I was about to undergo some treatment or examination that I expected would not be very pleasant. I also remember not always liking the smell of food in the hospital, nor the visits from people I did not know, who would ask me many questions or simply try to talk to me in an attempt to comfort me, or to understand what I was feeling about the illness and beyond.”
“Now I know that I could have a relapse tomorrow, in a month, in years from now… or never. You never really know. I learned to live day by day.”
“I am a psychologist, a patient advocate, and a cancer survivor. I am passionate about life and believe it is important to share my testimony in order to help reduce the (still) existing stigma around cancer, as well as to improve aspects related to the well-being of patients and their families.
As a cancer patient, I felt that only a ‘small part’ of my story was related to the treatments. Most of my journey was connected to emotions, thoughts, faith/belief, flexibility, and the rediscovery of my identity. From my experience, I have shaped a purpose, and I believe that through my professional practice I can make a positive difference in the lives of those who are faced with this disease. (…)
From my experience, I can share that it was indeed a long and difficult journey, and at some moments I even doubted whether I would be able to overcome the illness, but I did. Today I am alive, healthy, and I consider myself a happy person!”
Ao subscrever está a aceitar a Política de Privacidade da Acreditar. Damos muito valor à sua privacidade e por isso garantimos a confidencialidade dos seus dados.
