Nada, Egypt

"Your smile gives us positive energy." These words, spoken by one of the incredible fighters at Baheya Foundation, summarize the heart of my work. As a social worker, I strive to provide support, encouragement, and a sense of hope to those battling breast cancer. This is the story of my work at Baheya Foundation, and the extraordinary women who have shaped my understanding of resilience, hope, and the true meaning of support. 

My passion for the medical field began during my university years, specifically when I studied the importance of a social worker in dealing with patients and helping them alleviate their pain, as well as their role with the family.

In my third year, I interned at a children's cancer hospital, and I saw how cancer affects the child psychologically and physically, as well as the impact of the disease on the family.

My passion grew further and I wanted to delve deeper into the field after graduating from university. I was among the top of my class, so I applied for a master's degree and read a lot in the field of oncology until I chose the title of my thesis:

"Irrational Thoughts and Their Relationship to Self-Esteem in Breast Cancer Patients"

Here began my journey at Baheya Foundation as a volunteer during my studies. I studied and applied what I learned with the fighters, I learned a great deal from attending psychological support sessions with psychiatrists. I continued this until I discussed my thesis and worked at the hospital and was appointed as a social worker, conducting group and individual support sessions, case studies, and recreational trips for the fighters.

I felt I was contributing to their well-being by supporting their journey toward self-acceptance and a stronger sense of confidence. I focus on the strengths of each fighter and develop that in her and work on it, and I have a schedule for support sessions 3 days a week so that I can help a large part of them.

Just as I was influencing them, I learned a lot from them, such as the power of patience and endurance, and how difficult what they went through was, but they were able to overcome it with their patience, and they are also able to help their children even though they need someone to help them.

I felt a strong sense of duty to live up to my responsibilities and the position I held. They need a sweet laugh and they need to be reassured that the journey will end and they will be better than before. I really love them very much and I am working on myself to help them more.

Currently, I am training sociology and psychology students on how to deal with the fighters and how to provide them with psychological support.