Treatment of childhood cancer can't stop

Arthur, aged 5, is rarely unnoticed in the hallways of GRAACC. Communicative, curious, and full of energy, he talks to everyone, creates nicknames for the professionals, and transforms any space into a playground.

Since April last year, the boy has been coming to the hospital for treatment and medical follow-up. Even with the intense routine of exams, appointments, and procedures, childhood has continued to have an important space in his life.

Passionate about toys, Arthur takes toy cars, action figures, and plush toys practically everywhere. However, at home, he spends hours inventing stories. At the hospital, he found professionals who joined him in his games and helped making his days a little lighter.

“He never stopped playing. Even in the most difficult moments, he continued to invent things, talk and play with everyone,” says his mother, Daniela.

GRAACC patient formed bonds with hospital staff

The first symptoms were headaches and vomiting episodes. After receiving other medical attention and undergoing tests, Arthur was finally referred to GRAACC.

According to Daniela, the treatment began quickly.

“On the same day we arrived here, he had already undergone the first procedure. It all happened very quickly, and we were scared. But from the beginning, we felt welcomed by the team,” she recalls.

Over time, Arthur formed bonds with doctors, nurses, psychologists, and professionals from different areas of the hospital. Many of them were given nicknames invented by him.

Furthermore, the playroom became one of his favorite places during hospital visits. Whenever he arrived at GRAACC, he would ask how much longer it would be before he could play.

“He really likes it here. He talks about the playroom, the people, and the toys. For him, coming to the hospital was also about seeing people who were part of his routine,” says Daniela.

Humanization helps GRAACC patients throughout their journey

Another important character in this journey was Azulão, a plush toy that accompanied Arthur to appointments, exams, and hospital stays.

In his imagination, the toy was also part of the treatment. Azulão was included in the procedures, "took medicines," and received care along with the boy.

According to Daniela, Arthur's relationship with toys helped him face challenges without losing the lightheartedness inherent to childhood.

Intelligent and observant, he could understand much of what was happening around him and asked questions about the exams, medications, and procedures. Even so, he found ways to make the hospital routine less frightening.

Now, already in the follow-up phase, Arthur continues to come to the hospital with enthusiasm. The expectation of seeing the professionals again and visiting the playroom remains part of the visit.

"He says he misses being here. I think that this shows the affection with which we were treated throughout the journey," says Daniela.

Stories with happy endings like this are only possible because we have the support of partners like you.