From human to human

I became ill in 2011, when the OTIUM Center didn’t exist. Support for patients was mainly provided by the Ligue contre le cancer, which did a great job; I took art therapy classes there, which were so valuable for me. For the complementary aspects of my care, I did my own research and met some wonderful people, but also therapists who were so awkward and uncomfortable with cancer, oscillating between pity and fear. When the Centre OTIUM opened, I pushed open the door with curiosity. I was already out of the urgent phase of the disease and wanted to put it behind me. My curiosity got the better of me. I remember entering this lovely, soothing space, and the warm welcome I received from Rose, who gave this place a soul, cheerful, caring without being intrusive; just the right posture for me. I felt like a person, not a patient. Healthy people don’t realize it, but the most complex aspect of illness is the human aspect and the way it changes relationships with others. And it’s when we become human again that healing becomes possible. At the OTIUM Center, the people I have met welcome those who are going through an episode of illness. It’s human to human, not specialist to patient. No need to explain the disease, it’s put in its rightful place. OTIUM is complementary to other providers, essential in the diversity of approaches it offers, but above all in the humanity it brings to people going through an episode of illness, in a spirit of joy.

Thank you. C.V