Santa Casa and Operário Move Oncology Patient in Blue November in PG

The Blue November in Ponta Grossa gained a moment of excitement with an unprecedented initiative of Mercy Santa Casa, in partnership with Operário Ferroviário. The cancer patient Antônio Ricardo da Luz, 50, was taken to the Estádio Germano Krüger to follow a departure of the Ghost and celebrate an important stage of his cancer treatment.

Diagnosed with stomach cancer, Antônio began treatment in 2022 and recently completed another stage of cancer care. To mark this moment, the Santa Casa team prepared a surprise that united two important parts of his life: the overcoming of the challenges faced during treatment and the passion for football.

The experience took place in the stadium of Operário Ferroviário, where Antônio had the opportunity to follow a match in front of the alvinegro crowd and play the traditional Bell of Victory, a symbol used to celebrate the achievements of patients during the treatment against cancer.

Patient gets excited with Germano Krüger tribute

The surprise prepared by the Santa Casa and the Operário Ferroviário provided the patient with a moment of celebration amidst the Phantom cheering.

For Antonio, the experience represented much more than watching a football match. The meeting with the fans and the possibility of sharing their achievement were reasons for emotion and encouragement to continue the treatment.

“It was an emotion I didn’t expect. Being here, in the middle of the crowd, celebrating with them is something I will keep forever. We go through difficult days during the treatment, but receiving a surprise from these gives even more strength and desire to move forward," the patient reported.

The initiative also highlighted the importance of emotional reception during the follow-up of people diagnosed with cancer.

November Blue in Ponta Grossa reinforces importance of male health

The action integrates the activities of the Blue November in Ponta Grossa, campaign aimed at raising awareness about the health of men, with emphasis on prostate cancer.

In addition to encouraging health care, the mobilization seeks to encourage men to seek medical follow-up, maintain healthy habits and talk with health professionals about appropriate examinations and care for each age group and individual condition.

Although Antônio is on treatment for stomach cancer, his participation broadens the campaign message by highlighting the importance of comprehensive care for male health and support for cancer patients.

Awareness also involves recognizing signs and symptoms, accessing health services, and seeking professional guidance. In the case of prostate cancer, the decision on screening tests should consider an individualized assessment, with information about possible benefits and risks.

Santa Casa highlights the importance of humanized care

For Santa Casa de Ponta Grossa provider, Juarez Antônio Carvalho, patient care needs to consider not only the medical procedures, but also the emotional well-being and experiences that are part of each person’s life.

"Our commitment is to offer an increasingly humanized care, looking at each patient in his particularity, respecting his history, his needs and also his feelings. Providing moments like this is part of the care. At the same time, we have the responsibility to use our voice to bring information, encourage prevention and raise awareness about the importance of caring for health. Early diagnosis can make all the difference,” he said.

The partnership between the hospital and Operário Ferroviário reinforces the role of community initiatives in welcoming people facing serious illnesses.

With the unprecedented action, the Blue November in Ponta Grossa has gained an example of how the sport can contribute to provide moments of joy, integration and hope.

For Antônio Ricardo da Luz, the memory of playing the Bell of Victory next to the alvinegra fans becomes part of his treatment trajectory, also marked by the support received from the team of Santa Casa and the community of Ponta Grossa.