Dutch women donate breast prostheses to Cuban patients: "A hug from woman to woman"

A group of Dutch women has sent breast prostheses to Cuban patients as part of a solidarity initiative aimed at supporting those who have undergone a mastectomy.

Through the "Breast Prosthesis" initiative, these donations reach Cuba with the aim of providing greater comfort and well-being to the beneficiaries, who, in addition to fighting the disease, also have to deal with emotional aftermath.

One of the women who has received this assistance is Olga Lidia, a patient at the Faustino Pérez Provincial Clinical Surgical Teaching Hospital in Matanzas, whose story was shared on the institution's Facebook page.

Along with the prosthesis, she received a heartfelt message from Liny, a representative of the donor group:

"With great effort, but a lot of love, we are sending you this prosthesis. It is a donation from Dutch women who share the same problem as you. We, who work with them, started the initiative to gather these prostheses to send them to Cuba," the message emphasized.

"We hope you can feel happy, comfortable, and beautiful. A hug from woman to woman. On behalf of all the members of Breast Prosthesis," concluded the heartfelt message.

The institution accompanied the publication with a gallery of images showing that the donation included a significant number of breast prostheses, which will benefit several mastectomy patients, thus providing some comfort to these women.

This effort complements the work of "Alas por la Vida," a project that supports women in their reintegration into society and personal life after surgery or treatment for breast cancer.

Considered the second deadliest type of cancer among Cuban women after lung cancer, the project brings together patients, family members, friends, and professionals from various specialties, highlighted a report from Inter Press Service in Cuba.

Since its creation in 2003, thanks to the efforts of surgeon Alexis Cantero from the Manuel Fajardo university hospital in Havana, the project has expanded its reach to various municipalities across the country.

Every two months, the patients involved in Alas por la Vida gather to receive information on key aspects of their recovery and well-being, aiming to mitigate the aftermath of the illness through mutual support and specialized guidance.

This network of solidarity, both from the international realm and within the island, demonstrates the positive impact of cooperation and empathy in the recovery of women who have faced breast cancer.

In November, a heartfelt gesture of solidarity touched the life of Ismary Haro, a cancer survivor in Matanzas, thanks to the generosity of Chavely Ojea, a Cuban who decided to donate a breast prosthesis in honor of her late grandmother.

Christian Arbolaez explained in the group “Cardenenses en Facebook” that Ojea mentioned he had acquired the prosthesis for his grandmother, who did not get to use it due to her passing.

Stories like this highlight the power of kindness and the ability of Cubans to come together and support each other in the most challenging times.

Years ago, the young Cuban Yoandy Palomino , in observance of International Breast Cancer Awareness Day on October 19.

Another example of support featured a 21-year-old Cuban who asked for help to care for his mother suffering from cancer, stating that he needed medicine, financial assistance, and that someone would provide him with a job.

Liudal H Almeida Cuéllar, living in Cárdenas, Matanzas, shared his sad story in the Facebook group "ALL ABOUT CUBA!!!", where he provided details about his mother's health condition, who has a tumor in her colon.

Frequently asked questions about the donation of breast prostheses to Cuban patients