3 years ago I was receiving 12 Easter eggs. And I was “kind of in a hospital”.
I was with my father in São Paulo for the treatment of a cancer he had (he has since been cured), and we were staying at Casa Hope, a support house for children with cancer that also takes in a few adults.
It was something very different for me… even more so for my father. It would be for anyone, really.
The State of Minas Gerais, lacking an oncology center like the one at São Paulo’s Hospital das Clínicas, paid for my father to have a bone marrow transplant there. All through SUS, Brazil’s public health system. All top quality. It’s also important to say that for us everything went very smoothly, after years on a waiting list — but it’s plain to see it doesn’t go that well for everyone. Brazil is a country for the few.
Since my father would only sleep at the hospital for about 20 days after the bone marrow transplant, we went to a support house. I believe it’s the best one: Casa Hope.
One of the firmest decisions of my life
A support house always requires a companion to stay with the patient. It was one of the firmest decisions I’ve ever made: I realized it would matter enormously for my father’s life — and for mine too. I felt ready and told my family I would go with him. It was the best arrangement for everyone.
Because the treatment takes a minimum of 3 months, I ended up structuring my duties at Agência Métrica in a way that would let me truly devote myself to my father.
It was something like this quarantine. I wouldn’t see friends. I wouldn’t go out except to the hospital. I wouldn’t eat out. Sterile-level cleaning standards. I would face a period full of uncertainty. My connection with God would grow stronger. My connection with science would grow stronger. Clarity of mind would be treasured.
My role was to be a translator of science and an emotional supporter. The treatment hurts the patient badly, physically and emotionally. And I was there to remind him that all those discomforts were exactly what was expected. If it felt like that, it was because it was working.
The graffiti at the Maracanã
Thank you, Casa Hope!
Now it’s painted in graffiti, facing the Maracanã. For everyone to see. As big as my gratitude!
3 years ago I asked Castilho if he would lend his character, Cast, to pay tribute to Casa Hope. He said yes! Time went by and I never forgot; neither did he. Now the tribute is done.
Thank you to Castilho and Nat for helping me make this wish come true. It was a delightful afternoon. I didn’t even notice time passing.
If you don’t know it: Casa Hope is a support house for children with cancer. They care for more than 100 children along with their companions. My father’s transplant was a success — largely thanks to the Casa’s support, providing everything a transplant patient needs for better rest and recovery.
Thank you, Casa Hope! My family is immensely grateful.
Originally published on my Instagram in April and August 2020.