Albertina da Glória Vilanculos is a young woman aged 40, born in Beira and currently residing in Vilanculos. With no history of cancer in her family, she saw her world fall apart when she discovered a nodule in her breast.

In 2019, while living a peaceful life dedicated to work, Albertina noticed something strange. “I discovered a nodule in my breast, I thought it was something that would go away over time, but it started bothering me,” she recalls.

In April this year, a new nodule appeared in the same breast. This time, Albertina faced a new challenge: she was employed at a new company and feared for her bosses reactions to her condition. “I was afraid to address this dilemma with my bosses, I didn't know how they would react,” She confesses. But one day at work, feeling really bad, she had to explain her situation to her boss.

To her surprise, the bosses were understanding and contacted a member of the Judite Justino Foundation. As was the case in 2019, the municipality where she lives, had no specialists to carry out the necessary tests, which forced her to travel to Maputo.

During her stay in Maputo, she had the unconditional support of Mr. Michel Amade, from the Judite Justino Foundation, who coordinated all processes and interactions with the hospital.

Although Albertina knew that she had a tendency to develop breast cancer, doctors had previously identified that the nodule was not cancerous and recommended its removal, where she underwent surgery to remove the nodule. This time, under the watchful eye of a doctor, the tests showed good results to date.

The Pain, however, became a constant companion. “Now I feel pain, a lot of pain, all the time, and at the moment I take medication and I will only be able to see the development and stage of the nodule again in a year,” says Albertina with a mix of hope and despair. The memory of a friend she lost to the same disease consumed her, causing sleepless nights and constant anxiety.

Albertina's journey is marked by courage and resilience. She faces each day with determination, fighting pain and uncertainty, but always maintaining hope for a better future. Her story is a powerful testimony to how inner strength and support from loved ones can make all the difference in the most difficult times.