Cancer is not contagious, but solidarity is.” That is the Casa de Apoio à Crianças com Câncer Santa Teresa (CACCST) motto. The project aims to help individuals in current cancer treatment and their families, by providing psychological, and educational support to mitigate the challenges posed by treatment. CACCST seeks to humanize the healthcare experience by fostering empathy among healthcare professionals and volunteers.
Founded by Sandra Nobrega in the year 2000, the project has grown exponentially, currently assisting a monthly average of 80 families from different places in Rio de Janeiro. The Casa de Apoio is located in Santa Teresa and provides support to children, such as transportation, along with accommodation at the house during their treatment period.
The current owner of the project is Roberta Nobrega, Sandra’s daughter, who successfully built the link with the British School together with a fellow English teacher, Illma Lima, a couple of years ago. Presently, the project continues to thrive within the school community with the involvement of a group of individuals spanning from Year 8 to Year 12.
Their upcoming event is the Easter egg campaign. A holiday campaign aimed at purchasing easter eggs for every patient at the Casa de Apoio and their families. The ‘Easter Egg Drive’ commenced in February to collect 116 eggs for the children supported by CACCST. They would then be distributed to each individual in the CACCST Easter party on April 6th, and the event will take place at TBS’ Botafogo site from 09:00 to 14:00. Both Families of the CACCST children, and the British School volunteers will be present to enjoy a day filled with various activities including a slime workshop, face painting, cupcake decorating corner, and more. For added fun and excitement, there will be a trampoline and a bouncy castle available at the event.
With a commitment to providing holistic support, the CACCST not only addresses the medical needs of these young patients but also strives to uplift their spirits and enhance their overall well-being. By donating an egg or participating in the festivities, volunteers contribute to creating moments of joy and connection for children and their families amidst their challenges.
Overall the CACCST is a very special project with a directed approach to helping those facing such complicated challenges, and has successfully improved many lives. Through teamwork and creative ideas, it’s shown how working together can make a real difference in society, and its contribution with the British School has just improved their performance.
If you are interested in this project, would like to help, or even get involved, in the parties or the project daily, the email of the two current leaders is present below. Remember, “Cancer is not contagious, but solidarity is.”
