With the exhibition, VieCuri pays attention to the person behind cancer. The striking portrait photos tell special stories. A personal and unique insight into life with cancer. With beautiful and also vulnerable moments. The exhibition is made possible by the VieAmi Foundation, the friends of VieCuri who are committed to nice extras for patients.
Attention to the impact of cancer
In the Netherlands, 1 in 3 people are affected by cancer. “Despite the fact that cancer is increasingly becoming a chronic disease due to developments in early detection and treatment, patients and relatives are increasingly confronted with long-term problems. It is therefore important to consider the impact of the disease every year,” says internist-oncologist Yes van de Wouw. “The disease not only changes the life of the patient. It also affects that of his or her partner, family, colleagues and friends.” VieCuri would like to give patients and their loved ones a warm heart and make dealing with the disease a subject of discussion.
Wish tree
In addition to the photo exhibition, a wishing tree has also been placed. Everyone can leave a message here for a person with cancer: a heartwarming greeting, a personal story, comforting words or a cheerful note. All wishes are then handed over to the oncology department. “We don’t just want to inform about cancer,” says van de Wouw. “We also want to let patients know that we are thinking of them. That is why we hope that as many people as possible leave a message in our wish tree.”
Life goes on
Willem is one of the patients who tells his story: “I notice that the word ‘cancer’ often has a paralyzing effect on the people around me. Having cancer does not always mean that you die. The medical world can now cure all kinds of cancer. We also know better and better how we can live longer with cancer. I think it’s important that people know that life goes on, even with cancer. You can keep asking yourself: ‘why me?’, but that won’t get you anywhere. I turn it around and say to myself, “I’ve been lucky all these years of my life.” I look at the situation positively, with humor and live my life as I always have. Until it is no longer livable. I discuss this openly and honestly with my children and grandchildren and luckily they understand this.”
Photographer: Jordy Caris-Studio Zebra