I miss
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More than 11,000 people were affected by breast cancer in Belgium in 2021. Unfortunately, this figure is incorrect.
Breast cancer also impacts their families, friends, loved ones, ...
The story of Juliette: having breast cancer at 41 years old.
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Juliette, 45 years old, of Congolese origin and living in Brussels, is an entrepreneur and a mother to a 5-year-old daughter. She was diagnosed with stage 2 hormone-dependent breast cancer. Four years ago, she felt a lump in her breast and noticed swollen lymph nodes, but at the time, she didn’t take these two signs seriously and decided to wait for her next appointment with the gynecologist, which was scheduled a month later. It was the gynecologist who raised the alarm and initiated Juliette’s referral to specialists, leading to her “rescue” through various treatments.
Like Juliette, a significant number of women are affected by breast cancer at a young age. Approximately 20% of women diagnosed with breast cancer are still of reproductive age (premenopausal).
In fact, at her age this diagnosis came as a punishment in a busy life (a business project, a child, a new house, etc.) and had a significant impact on her and those around her.
Her partner was greatly affected as well. Having been by her side throughout the treatments, he showed the first signs of burnout a year after Juliette started her patient journey. Thanks to the support of their GP, she and her partner were able to rebuild their lives. «It’s a process that takes time, whether it’s the patient or their close caregivers. Hence the importance of talking about it, being supported, increasing awareness (during and after the illness). No-one is safe from anything.» Juliette feels more committed than ever. «I might not be here today if someone hadn’t found this drug, which is why I’m here today. [ ]… I think we have an enormous role to play, too. Breast cancer has an impact, of course, but each of us can have an impact by supporting research.»
Even before I could fully grasp that it was cancer, I was already hooked up to my first chemotherapy session... I wasn't prepared, but are we ever really prepared?
Pink October "I miss you" campaign
For some, «I miss you» reminds them of the pain in their hearts following the loss of a loved one, and the lack of understanding in the eyes of people around them. For others, it will be a matter of grieving for their previous life or for a breast, an important symbol of femininity and maternity.
«I miss you» is also a message of hope. Like a postcard that you send to a friend you are looking forward to seeing again. It is also the hope of soon regaining a new version of yourself, of re-emerging after multiple treatments.
You can make a difference. You can help save lives.
Donations greater than or equal to € 40 / year receive a
45% tax reduction.
This means your donation of €40 only costs you € 22.
