Ophir Loyola celebrates Mother's Day with faith, care, and tributes in Belém
About 200 mothers spend the day hospitalized at the institution but receive affection and solidarity from a socio-affective network in the hospital
In an atmosphere of faith, welcome, and gratitude, the Ophir Loyola Hospital (HOL) celebrated Mother's Day with a special program aimed at patients, companions, staff, and volunteers on Friday (9) and Saturday (10). A reference in oncological treatment in Pará, the unit promoted care and appreciation actions that combined spirituality, beauty, and emotion to honor about 200 mothers who face the challenges of the cancer journey with courage and hope.
The program began early in the morning with a musical performance by singer Alexandre Brito and pianist Wellington Machado, students in music education at the State University of Pará (Uepa). Following this, a mass was celebrated by Father Filipe Costa from the Semente do Verbo Community - Church of Carmo, in the Luiz Geolás Auditorium, accompanied by the Pilgrim Image of the Guard of Nazaré. The Public Ministry Choir also moved the audience.
“I am grateful to God, to Our Lady, for being a Mother. I am a mother, I have a wonderful daughter, a perfect ten. Today is a blessed day because I am here, in this hospital that feels like a second home. Here I feel good, I am well received by everyone. I have undergone a lot of chemotherapy, but I can only say that I am a happy and confident person. Just gratitude,” said patient Maria Rita, 65, who is receiving treatment for breast cancer.
In addition to the religious moment, the mothers were able to enjoy a beauty action promoted by the Volunteer Friends of Pará (AVP) and Solidarity Network. The space offered aesthetic services, haircuts, facial cleansing, podiatry, makeup, and eyebrow design, promoting not only self-esteem but also moments of lightness amidst the treatment routine.
During his speech, the hospital's administrative director, Yan Serrão, highlighted the importance of the date. “Today is a day of recognition for our patients and collaborators who are mothers, warrior women who face the challenges of life and treatment with courage. And there is nothing better than a mass and the presence of 'our Mother' in this house that needs God so much to care for our patients, the mothers who are in treatment. The tribute is for them, who are examples of strength and hope,” said the manager.
Another patient, Raimunda Bentes, 68, also undergoing treatment for breast cancer, spoke about the value of the tributes for the well-being of the users. “This movement is wonderful. It is good for our self-esteem to meet colleagues, to talk. It is emotional. In these two years, I have faced many things, including the loss of my husband. But I remain strong. I am an adoptive mother of Walison, whom I raised since he was a baby. He is 9 years old and is my reason for living and my motivation to fight for life,” she said.
On Saturday (10), gifts were given to patients and companions who would spend the festive date at the health institution. “We know that many of these mothers would like to be at home celebrating with their families. Therefore, we seek to offer a gesture of affection and recognition, showing that they are not alone at this moment. Our commitment is to care with empathy and respect,” said the general director, Heraldo Pedreira.
Michelle Azevedo, coordinator of Humanization at the hospital, reinforced the importance of the action in the context of humanized care. “We know that oncological treatment is challenging, which is why we always seek to provide moments like this, which welcome, strengthen, and sustain the trust relationship between managers, workers, and users in health production with their socio-affective network. Caring for emotional health is also fundamental in the healing process. This is the mission of humanization: to treat with affection and empathy,” she said.
