On 8 March, on the occasion of Women's Day, more than 400 ladies arriving in oncology wards will receive a gift, a symbolic 'Parcel from the Heart'. For many evenings and sleepless nights, the Sanitas team created hearts with a message, especially for female oncology patients. In addition to the hearts, each patient will receive a letter from our psychologist and a small gift.
"This campaign is a completely spontaneous idea, a complement to the long-standing Beauty in Illness campaign. We want every woman not to forget about herself and her uniqueness in this difficult moment of fighting cancer. It is not easy to feel beautiful when everything seems to be collapsing. Add to that fatigue and pain. This heart is a signal, a kind of light to remind you that YOU ARE BEAUTIFUL, no matter what happens - you are beautiful and special. Not only externally but also internally. Beauty is strength, character. And these, too, must not be lacking during the struggle with illness.
Make-up, painted nails, pretty pyjamas or a colourful scarf, it is the armour in which it is easier to stand up to fight, it gives courage and strength, This is what we want to convey. To remember ourselves, not to live only the hospital, the treatment, the changes in the body... life is beyond all that." - Anna Nowakowska - Sanitas
"I would like every woman in oncology looking at this heart to remember what she was like before the disease and think what she will be like after it. And she will be stronger, maybe a little crazier and even more beautiful. This heart, made with our hands with all the love and positive energy we have - is a signpost ". - Joanna Cieśla - Sanitas
"I think most people like it when they are given gifts because it has a positive effect on their mood. It makes us feel good when someone remembers us - it tells us that we are important to someone. A small gift such as a "present from the heart" is intended to focus the patient's preoccupied thoughts on more pleasant aspects of life, at least for a while. Mental wellbeing undoubtedly translates into physical wellbeing, so on the occasion of Women's Day, it is worth reminding patients that they can influence their own mental sphere with a little effort." - Psychologist Monika Wietecha - Sanitas
The campaign covered Krosno, Brzozów, Rzeszów, Przemyśl, Warsaw and Poznań.
The full report (including photo report) of the meeting at the Przemyśl hospital is available on the Association's website – go to coverage
Already at the welcome, the arriving ladies were presented with gifts, which immediately put them in a good mood and brought a smile to their faces. During an exciting artistic performance by the String Quartet, the incoming patients were presented with flowers.
In the second part of the meeting, a psychologist talked about how to cope with the disease and allowed the participants to understand the various stages involved. Another highlight was the screening of a film depicting the winning battle against cancer. The participants of the meeting had the opportunity to get rid of stress in a daring way by puncturing a balloon they had inflated and filled with worries.
A gem were the teams of hairdressers, beauticians, make-up artists and other stalls in the 'beauty' category. Patients were able to get a makeover.
Photo: Sanitas Association