It is estimated that each month, over 55 Maltese patients travel to the United Kingdom seeking medical treatment and that number is rising. In the run-up to a telethon in aid of Puttinu Cares, Martina Fenech speaks to Therese Bonnici about her optimism towards life, despite losing her mother to cancer and being targeted by the illness herself.

 

Martina Fenech only turned 18 last year, but she has experienced more sorrow than most people her age. When she was three, her mother was diagnosed with breast cancer and spent 11 years battling the illness. She passed away when Martina was only 15.

Shortly after her mother’s death, Martina started losing focus and vision.  Only two months after her mother passed away, she was diagnosed with paramenial embryonal rhabdomyosarcome – a rare histological form of cancer.

As soon as she was diagnosed, she started chemotherapy and specialists soon informed her that she will need to travel abroad for treatment. In the UK, Martina spent a whole month undergoing radiotherapy sessions on a daily basis.

The therapy worked, and specialist informed her that she could do without a major operation. She has now been clear from cancer for the past three years, during which she had the opportunity to meet with Prince William and deliver a speech at the European Parliament.

 “Many people believe that when facing such situations, the human being gets weaker, and loses hope. But the reality is that we get stronger and more hopeful than ever before. I can’t explain where that courage comes from, but it is only when you have to struggle with such experiences that you realise how strong you truly are.” 

“If it wasn’t for my mother, I would not have the courage I do. I still feel she is with me all the time. I remember the nurse walking into the operating theatre before my first operation and telling me not to be afraid. I turned to her and replied that I’m not afraid, because my mother was there, holding my hand.”

Such circumstances do not only put forward physical and psychological challenges, but also financial ones. In order to be by his daughter’s side, Martina’s father had to stop working for three entire months. But as always, Puttinu Cares was present, ready to help.

The apartments provided for by the organisations are fully equipped with anything required, including towels and patients are also lent electronic devices, to allow them to communicate with friends and relatives back home.

“I remember receiving my exam result while in the United Kingdom and thought that if I could do it under such circumstances, then imagine what I could do when I’m healthy and free of such pressure.”

Following her treatment, the young teenager repeated her school year, sat for her O-Levels, and is now sitting for her A-Level exams.

“Hopefully in ten years time I’ll be a lawyer. One thing is for certain, I will still be doing my very best to help out Puttinu. I can never repay Puttinu back for all it has given me, because it is priceless. But I use my free time to help out, to give back some of what I received, “she says.

Along other members of the organisation’s youth section, Martina visits patients in hospital wards and organises fundraising events.

Thanks to the public’s generosity, Puttinu Cares has settled its debts for the block of apartments it had built. However, because demand for such accommodation is on the increase, the organization is planning to build another block of apartments, this time closer to the children’s hospital.

Martina’s struggle with cancer does not define her. “I perceived having cancer as if it’s just flu, keeping in mind that others are in a worse situation. Battling with cancer has made me so much stronger today. I think back about what I’ve been through, and the challenge at hand seems manageable.”

“I remember doctors at Royal Marsden Hospital asking me how I kept up with accommodation costs in London. All doctors were surprised to hear how much Puttinu helps out Maltese families. I am proud to be Maltese.”

Martina urged the public to help out Puttinu. “I can assure you that your €10 are worth investing – because it would help and give hope to so many. Almost everyone knows of someone who is battling cancer today. It can easily be a friend, a relative, and even you.  Puttinu Cares can’t help out without the support of the public.”

Xarabank in aid of Puttinu will be broadcasted live tomorrow at 8.45pm.