Octávio Lobo Hospital participates in campaign against childhood and adolescent cancer
Health professionals from the Pará health unit reinforce 'McDia Feliz' in favor of children and adolescents undergoing cancer treatment
On last Saturday (23), the Octávio Lobo Children's Oncology Hospital (Hoiol) participated in the 37th edition of "McDia Feliz", one of the largest campaigns in Brazil in favor of pediatric oncology and social projects aimed at children and adolescents. The initiative, nationally carried out by the Ronald McDonald Institute (IRM), aims to raise funds to strengthen programs that provide assistance and quality of life to patients undergoing cancer treatment, as well as their families.
Throughout the day, volunteers were engaged in awareness actions and the sale of Big Mac tickets, which were fully reverted to the projects supported by the campaign. At Hoiol, the mobilization of employees began on July 11.
"In total, 500 tickets were made available, and each member of the hospital's Humanization Commission was responsible for selling a quantity. Additionally, on the day of the big event, the Pediatric Oncology coordination purchased another 300 'Big Macs' to be distributed to all employees. It is a way of valuing and thanking them for their work in combating childhood cancer," explained the unit's Humanization coordinator, Natacha Cardoso.
"McDia Feliz" is held annually, and the funds raised are directed to the Ronald McDonald Institute (IRM) and the Ayrton Senna Institute (IAS), which are responsible for investing in projects aimed at the health and education of children and adolescents. In the capital of Pará, the initiative supports the Ronald McDonald House Belém, which houses children and families undergoing cancer treatment who are away from their hometowns.
The Octávio Lobo Hospital has supported the cause since 2015, the year it was founded. For Natacha, actively participating in the campaign is to "embrace" each patient and contribute to their well-being and that of their families. "Many patients stay hospitalized for long periods. We know their routines, stories, and challenges. Some come from other cities, other states, and need the support of the Ronald McDonald House during treatment. That is why we support it, as we know that the income is reverted to the sustainability of the House, ensuring structure, food, and a more welcoming environment for patients and their families. The cause motivates us, and all employees want to participate, whether by selling or buying," said the coordinator.
The cleaning assistant at the Children's Oncology Hospital, Jéssica Rodrigues, 34 years old, shared the emotion she felt while participating in the solidarity campaign. "I feel an enormous gratitude. I was very happy to see everyone getting involved. The cause is much greater than any amount, and everything we do is out of love for these children." An opinion shared by Fagner Reis, supervisor of Hospitality and Hospital Hygiene and Cleaning Services at Octávio Lobo. "Employees from all shifts were involved in the campaign. The team participated and dedicated themselves a lot," Reis said.
Originally from Ipixuna do Pará, Marcos Lopes, 27 years old, accompanies his son Francisco, 1 year and four months old, in treatment for leukemia. Six months ago, the family had to move to the capital of Pará and relied on the support of the social project. "The house welcomed us well and was very accommodating. In addition, there is food, transportation, which is very important for us. I see it as a house that is there to help with whatever you need, and I am very grateful for that," said Marcos.
For a year and a half, housewife Mauriceia Alencar, 47 years old, has been accompanying her daughter Géssica's cancer treatment, diagnosed with thyroid cancer. Residents of Novo Repartimento, a municipality in southeastern Pará, they regularly seek shelter at the Ronald McDonald House Belém. "I go to my house, stay for about 15 days, and return to Belém. That is why I am very grateful to everyone who bought tickets. On behalf of my daughter and so many children and families in need, I thank you."
"We have been in Belém for 1 year and 7 months. The Ronald institution welcomed us with all love and professionalism. Everyone there has become our second family. I have nothing to complain about; the meals are all at the right times, and they even help with hygiene products for both the guest and the companion. I am very grateful and feel very welcomed and protected in this home," said Nayane Braga, 21 years old, from Tucuruí, mother of Eloysa, 4 years old, who is being treated at Hoiol for Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia of B cells.
"For us at the Ronald McDonald House Belém, the partnership with Hoiol is essential. McDia Feliz is not just a fundraising campaign, but a movement of unity for a much greater cause: to offer hope and quality of life for children and adolescents undergoing cancer treatment. Having the hospital as a partner further strengthens this mission because together we can expand the impact and reach more families in need of care and support. This union shows that when institutions walk side by side, solidarity transforms into real results and transformed lives," concluded Rosa Pires, president of the Ronald McDonald House Belém.
Service: Accredited as a High Complexity Unit in Oncology (Unacon), Hoiol is a reference in the Amazon region for the diagnosis and specialized treatment of childhood cancer, in the age group between 0 and 19 years. Currently, the unit, managed by the Instituto Diretrizes (ID), in partnership with the State Department of Public Health (Sespa), serves more than 900 patients from 144 municipalities in Pará and neighboring states.
Text: Ellyson Ramos - Ascom Hoiol
