Pink October: action celebrates the courage, faith, and hope of women undergoing cancer treatment

In reference to Pink October, the Hospital da Mulher in Pará promoted a special action aimed at women undergoing chemotherapy treatment at Hospital Ophir Loyola. The initiative aimed to provide a moment of welcome, appreciation for life, and encouragement for self-esteem, reinforcing the importance of solidarity and empathy in facing breast cancer.

During the program, participants were honored with a symbolic photo session, marked by emotion and beauty. Each woman received a scarf made and donated by collaborators from Hospital da Mulher, accompanied by messages of affection and encouragement. The gesture represented not only a material gift but also a demonstration of affection and collective support for those facing treatment with strength and hope.

Silmanete do Nascimento, 54 years old, who has been in treatment for six years, shared her experience.
“Pink October brings us hope for tomorrow. I get very emotional seeing other colleagues who are starting treatment, sometimes lost or without support, and then we go there and offer our support, that hug. I feel flattered and hopeful because we are the ones who make today and tomorrow. My illness was discovered suddenly, but I never let myself be defeated. I always moved forward, took care of myself, exercised, and never fell into despair or depression. I learned to accept my situation, I am happy with what I have, I learn something new every day, and I do everything I can to help other colleagues. Pink October is a month of awareness, but care should be all year round. This month makes me even stronger,” she emphasized.

She added: “The message I leave for women who have discovered the disease is: stay firm in faith, never lose hope, believe in yourselves and in the professionals who accompany you. Today there are various treatments for breast cancer. Exercising, loving yourself, valuing each day, traveling, being with family, and being joyful are essential. Never leave today for tomorrow. As my doctor who accompanies me said: ‘I am a miracle’.”

Samara Pordeus, 55 years old, who is also undergoing treatment at HOL, spoke about the welcome she received. “When I received the news, it was very difficult, but as the days went by, I became calmer and more at ease. Today, the welcome at Hospital Ophir Loyola is wonderful; I feel very secure. I have already had my surgery and radiotherapy; it’s difficult, but we need to go through this with faith, as a purpose from God. Today I lead my life normally and accept my situation. I am very well welcomed by the entire multiprofessional team and have nothing to complain about. My message to other women is: have faith in God, because with faith everything can be overcome. He holds our hand, supports us, and strengthens us,” she stressed.

The action was part of the activities for Pink October, a global campaign dedicated to raising awareness about the prevention and early diagnosis of breast cancer. The event had the alignment and support of the management of both hospitals, reinforcing the institutional commitment to humanized care, the appreciation of life, and the promotion of women's health.

Text: Vinícius Campos, journalism intern, supervised by journalist Brenna Godot