Les Parenthesis de Marie to offer each woman suffering from breast cancer a moment outside the time of the illness

Les femmes de l’association lors de leur séjour “parenthèse” dans le désert marocain. M.-E. L

The association was created by Marie-Estelle Lehucher, medical assistant to a cancer specialist from Montpellier.

It was while looking at the patients in the waiting room that the idea came to him: to create a structure, a specific framework so that women suffering from ;rsquo;with breast cancer can escape for the time of a workshop, a moment of sharing to best get through this terrible illness and the often very difficult care journey.

And Marie-Estelle Lehucher, who initiated this superb project, saw women parade through the office of the oncologist with whom she works in Montpellier. The medical assistant was, as she herself confides, "the privileged witness of the incredible resources that patients demonstrate."

Marie-Estelle Lehucher from Parenthesis of Marie. EMAIL

"The patients inspired me. We always have the somewhat gloomy image of people with cancer, whereas there can be a lot of life…" And to add: "I realized the power of these women, who gave each other tips and who also shared giggles…& quot;

Use illness as an opportunity to live new experiences, "that we would not have experienced& quot; : like a somewhat enchanted parenthesis, hence the name Parenthesis de Marie, the association was born in March 2019 and has since advocated this positive, joyful and stimulating energy.

In practice

The association Les Parenthèses de Marie was created. created for patients and is open to the people they love so that breast cancer is not just an illness, but an “opportunity.” ;quot; to learn, share, have fun, love…hellip;

The association is domiciled in the Clémentville clinic, 25 rue Clémentville à Montpellier. Tel. 07 86 59 22 27. Mail: lesparenthesesdemarie@gmail.com

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To each their own parenthesis…

Each patient can thus create her own break, suggest a workshop, a passion, a travel project, a restaurant, an evening…

Over the years there have been parentheses "knit", "country"… At the moment there are three on the program: Nerthe's parenthesis, a sports workshop at the beach, Sarah's parenthesis which offers a sophrology workshop and Anne's parenthesis for a   nbsp;introductory hiking workshop.

Workshops always in a good mood. ME. L.

And all these parentheses are hosted by former patients and can thus benefit patients and those around them.

At the same time, the association even recently organized a stay in the Moroccan desert partly financed by art therapy workshops and whose works were sold at auction.

And also participation in the Montpellier Reine. Moreover, 15,000 euros collected during the charity race were donated to Parentheses de Marie, which will help finance the follow-up of patients.

At Montpellier Reine, the association was able to mobilize its troops this Sunday, May 26, 2024. Midi Libre – Jean-Michel Mart

Specific support with a patient partner

And as a bonus, the association offers personalized support with a patient partner. Sarah Kachouri officiates and explains her role as a sort of "hyphen". "Women feel more understood given the experience I have had.

Sarah Kachouri, the wonderful patient partner. ME. L.

She allows patients to confide in them, she comforts them, supports them, reassures them, advises them, at the time of illness but also afterwards.

"We take into account the abandonment syndrome that occurs after illness. When we are sick we have our heads in the handlebars: the schedule is busy between the protocols, the treatments…" But once finished, the women find themselves a little lost: "The caregivers are relieved, for them the illness is behind, but the women have not had time to take it all in That. Cancer affects existence, it leads to questions, the aftermath must be taken into account. " Valuable support during and even after.

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