History

The "Ensemble, pour Elles" association was originally set up when Sylvie Cappellone, an oncology psychologist, observed the particular psychological difficulties experienced by women undergoing breast surgery in the "post-treatment" period. Paradoxically, women affected by the disease seemed to be suffering more specifically at this time, and were finding it difficult to be reborn. So we had to find a way to break the feeling of loneliness that often follows this medical journey, sometimes lasting several months.

It was a chance, friendly meeting with an Italian woman, Luigia Maggiore, a Dragon Lady who was very involved in the Florence (Italy) team, which led to the creation of this association.

 

Oncologist Dr Bruno Cutuli was won over by the idea and the experience of these Italian women, and together with Sylvie Cappellone, he set about implementing the project, organizing a conference on the subject. 

 

The aim of the conference was to inform the public about breast cancer, in particular the benefits of screening and early diagnosis, and to give a first group of women in the Champagne Ardenne region affected by the disease a chance to have their say. The conference took place on December 4, 2008. 

 

Dr Bruno Cutuli and Sylvie Cappellone therefore invited the Italian team to Reims, a group of 20 women who came especially to talk about their experience and answer questions from the French. The event was organized in close collaboration with the Reims-Florence twinning committee, chaired by Mr Stasi, and the Reims city council, headed by Mrs Adeline Hazan. The conference was the symbolic starting point for the creation of the association. It was founded by individual members outside any hospital or medical institution, in order to preserve the necessary independence and freedom of speech. 

 

A few French women were able to take part in the Vogalonga in Venice in spring 2009 as part of the Florentine crew. The association also aims to give a place to women who have undergone breast surgery, and to support the idea that there is life after the disease. 

 

Since then, many initiatives have been implemented by these women, and the group has grown.

Activities have diversified to offer these women a choice for rebuilding their lives. An important part is devoted to mutual aid, one of the founding elements of this association.