Cancer Awareness Month

October is the month where we celebrate those who have experienced cancer personally, through loved ones and through caregiving.

We especially commemorate Breast Cancer awareness. The theme according to WHO is ‘Every Story is Unique, Every Journey Matters’.

Our unique approach to creating awareness, will be to expound on an acronym for cancer:

C- Courage

We acknowledge the courage it takes to go for screening, with the understanding that the outcome may come in ways we anticipate as well as unexpected results. We also acknowledge the courage it takes to go for doctor’s appointments, various treatment opportunities, discouraging news about prognosis, the will to keep fighting, the financial, mental and physical resources required to care for cancer patients. The journey for everyone has different paths, but what it takes in the journey is worth acknowledging.

A- Awareness

Not everyone has the same journey around cancer. The information we get to know and share on the treatment process, the toll it takes on individuals, families and communities helps promote compassion, philanthropy, access, equity of care and outreach for vulnerable communities. Awareness makes the difference between understanding and knowing. It promotes influencing care informed approaches in health communities, corporate societies, education empowerment and day-to-day interactions.

N- Need

There are many in need of care opportunities, health access and innovation where cancer prevention and treatment is concerned. The needs surrounding cancer are many, this is a call to action, to empower anyone in need around us. Whether it is checking in on someone affected by cancer, donating to a worthy cause, the need to go for a check-up as well as the need to find out more about healthy living and how to better support someone.

C- Care

Care is not only about doing things, it’s about being there. When someone is navigating cancer, care is shown in the small, quiet moments: sitting beside them during treatment, holding their hand when words are hard to find, or simply sending a message that says, “I’m thinking of you.” True care is patient and non-judgmental. It allows the person to feel what they need to feel-fear, anger, hope without pressure to “stay strong.” Care whispers, “You don’t have to go through this alone. I’m here.”

E- Empower

Empowerment returns dignity and choice to someone whose world feels uncertain. Being empowered doesn’t mean pretending to be strong; it means having permission to ask questions, to express needs, and to be part of decisions about their care. Empowerment nurtures self-belief. It looks like saying, “Your voice matters. Your feelings matter. You are stronger than you know.” Empowerment gives the person permission to take back ownership of their life. One moment, one breath, one day at a time.

R- Recovery

Recovery is not a straight line — it is a journey of tiny, meaningful wins. Some days will be heavy; others will bring relief and renewed hope. Recovery honors every small milestone: standing up without help, being able to eat again, or laughing after weeks of worry. It accepts setbacks with compassion rather than frustration. Recovery says, “Healing takes time, and every step counts.” It invites grace, grace for the body, grace for the emotions, and grace for the days that feel overwhelming.

Remember: you are not expected to have all the answers.

Your presence matters more than perfect words. Supporting someone with cancer is not about fixing what is broken, but about walking with them through the uncertainty, the fear, the hope, and the healing.

Be patient with them. Be patient with yourself. Small acts of care can create enormous impact.

You are a reminder that they are not alone.

Your School Counsellors,

Graciella and Letty