Samah, Egypt

My mother passed away due to breast cancer. Consequently, when I experienced symptoms of the disease in 2021, I suspected that I might be affected. I went to the Baheya Hospitals and Centers where I underwent the necessary examinations. After receiving the results, I was asked to do more tests, and it was then that my breast cancer diagnosis was confirmed.

 I am a mother of three children and currently divorced. At the beginning of my illness, as soon as my husband learned of my diagnosis and with the start of chemotherapy, he seemed distressed by the changes in my appearance; my complexion had become pale and my hair was falling out. He could not bear the thought of a part of my body being removed, and when he expressed his dissatisfaction, I told him that he was not obligated to stay with me, and that we could get a divorce and he welcomed the idea. During the darkest period of my illness, when I was in dire need of his presence and support, he abandoned me, leaving me with my young children. I went through all the stages of treatment completely alone. He even decided not to financially support his children, and I had no source of income. At that time, I began my treatment with the mastectomy, and after recovering, I started chemotherapy.

While undergoing chemotherapy, I learned about the psychological support department at Baheya. I was in my last chemo session when I was surprised by a group of volunteers who came to celebrate with me. They brought gifts, balloons, and chocolates. I felt like a champion as they celebrated my victory. I didn't understand who they were or why they were doing this. When I learned that they were from the Psychological Support Department, I went to see them myself and learn about the services they offer.

When I met them, they invited me to join them on a trip to the North Coast the following day. I accepted and traveled with them. There, I met a group of fellow fighters who made me feel that I was not alone, and that I was not ashamed of the changes in my appearance. For the first time since the beginning of my illness, I felt at ease.

After that, I participated in workshops to learn beading, candle making, macrame, and jewelry making. I participated in a Baheya exhibition, and started earning money from my work, giving me a source of income. I discovered that I am an artist and that I have talents that I did not know I had before.

I took training courses in marketing and entrepreneurship within Baheya, and now I am a workshop trainer for the fighters. My journey with illness has made me discover that adversity can indeed contain a blessing.