Volunteers from 'Sewing Dreams Brazil' distribute scarves at Ophir Loyola Hospital
In a gesture of affection, scarves were delivered to patients undergoing cancer treatment, reinforcing the message of support and hope
Ophir Loyola Hospital, in Belém, received a visit from the volunteers of the Sewing Dreams Brazil Group, originating from São Paulo (SP), who donated scarves to patients undergoing cancer treatment. The action, which is part of the Pink October campaign, aimed to provide emotional support and strengthen the self-esteem of women undergoing cancer treatment.
According to Sueli Feio, project coordinator, the group was born with the purpose of transforming lives through sewing. “The goal of 'Sewing Dreams' was to support women victims of domestic violence through education and income generation. Later, we felt the desire to also support other women, such as those undergoing cancer treatment. The scarf is an important tool for empowerment during chemotherapy. Besides donating the scarf, we tell these women that they are not alone. We give our affection and support, and for us, it is very important to be here. This is our first year distributing scarves at the institution,” Sueli informed.
Among the volunteers was Cida, who learned about the project after completing her chemotherapy cycle. “When I joined 'Sewing Dreams', I had finished my treatment. Talking to Sueli, we had the idea to donate scarves not only in Pink October. We started in some hospitals, and today we operate in a large network in São Paulo and other states. As a cancer patient, I often say that the scarf represents much more than an accessory. It symbolizes affection, women's empowerment, beauty. Receiving a scarf makes a big difference,” she emphasized.
Reason for joy - For Ruth Cardoso, 40 years old, a patient being monitored at HOL, and currently in remission from the disease, the action was a reason for gratitude and joy. “This delivery symbolizes welcome. This October, I feel a lot of gratitude. It’s not easy, but today it is a reason for great joy to see this group carrying out this action at Ophir Loyola Hospital,” she added.
For other patients undergoing cancer treatment, Ruth asked them to “have faith. Don’t be sad, don’t complain. Try to think positively, because it will work out. When I went through treatment, I didn’t let it affect me. It will work out.”
According to Michelly Azevedo, coordinator of Humanization at Ophir Loyola Hospital, actions like this strengthen the comprehensive care offered to patients and reinforce the role of solidarity within the hospital environment.
“It provides the practice of emotional and physical welcome, and reinforces the importance of volunteer work through the solidarity construction of doing good. During 'Pink October', it brings the importance of self-care and awareness about prevention with specialists and the practice of self-examination,” emphasized the coordinator.
Michelly Azevedo also highlighted the symbolic value of the gesture of donating a scarf. According to her, “the donation is important, but it goes beyond the representativeness of a simple accessory. It symbolizes the recognition of the being beyond the disease.”
The initiative of 'Sewing Dreams Brazil', with the support of the Humanization Coordination and the Board of Ophir Loyola Hospital, reinforces the importance of welcome, empathy, and valuing women at all moments of life.
