Karina Rafaelli (photo) is a Spiritist speaker and member of the board of directors of the Amor e Paz (Love and Peace) Spiritist Centre in the Brazilian city of Marília, in the state of São Paulo. A doctor and radiologist, she went through chemotherapy to deal with breast cancer. In the following interview, she shares her experience with us, hoping to help other women who go through the same ordeal. 

How was your experience with this illness?

I was taken by surprise, initially, especially because I always looked after my body and avoided any excesses. I’ve always done regular check ups, had healthy habits and stayed away from alcohol and cigarettes. I also exercise regularly. We all can get completely disoriented when we face a real prospect of passing away and that’s natural, it's part of our survival instinct. I would like to say, however, there is treatment for breast cancer and many patients are cured. After the initial impact, we readjust our emotions and feelings. Spiritism has played a key role in that process, along with the support from relatives and friends. This illness has a huge impact on our loved ones and that’s why we go through a process of mutual learning during that period. 

How did your treatment develop?

My breast cancer was diagnosed “by chance,” but Spiritism teaches us that nothing happens by chance. I identified a small nodule, went through the exams, did chemotherapy and double mastectomy. I am now recovered. I am immensely grateful for having an early diagnosis and for realising, throughout the treatment, that I was enjoying huge support from the Spiritual Benefactors. I must remind everyone to visit their doctors regularly and do the necessary check ups. We know we need to look after our spirit, but we can’t neglect our physical body. 

How did your previous contact with Spiritism help you in this process?

Spiritism is our pillar. If we understand God and his perfect laws, if we understand the nature of divine justice, the causes of our sorrows, the principle of immortality of the soul and reincarnation, we will be able to go through these difficult situations in a more balanced manner. We will understand that in adversity we consolidate our virtues and progress. 

What was the most difficult aspect in cases like that?

All treatments are difficult, starting from the diagnosis. The collateral effects of chemotherapy, the pain and sickness you feel affect you. Your body changes and your self-esteem suffers. It is important to remain positive and bear in mind that you are going through a process of inner reform and purification. We must see illnesses as an opportunity of regeneration and employ all the resources available to go through the process in the best possible way. 

How has your faith and your knowledge of Spiritism helped you?

In Spiritism, faith is based on reason and the understanding of the mechanisms behind the Law of God. Illnesses happen for a reason, which is fair, and are part of the process of spiritual development human beings must go through. The Spiritist Teachings change completely the way we face a serious illness and other forms of suffering. They restore our feelings of gratitude, resignation, courage and patience. 

What would you like to say to other women who may go through similar health problems?

It was very important to continue doing my volunteer work at the Spiritist Centre. I only stayed away when I was really physically weak, after my surgery. Spiritual healing helped me a lot and it was very important to hear the positive experiences of other women who’d had breast cancer. I must tell you: remain positive, keep your hopes up and persevere. Don’t descend into feelings of anger, into complaining and despondency. Everything passes, be sure of that!

What would you say to the families of those who pass away?

Please bear in mind that material life is a transient experience and that we will all be soon reunited with our loved ones in our real world, the spiritual world. The knowledge of Spiritism gives us strength to overcome pain. We should think that our relative simply went back home before us. They haven’t disappeared forever. They are still alive. After all, we are all immortal spirits!

Is there anything else you would like to add?

Any painful experience must be seen as a learning opportunity. The question we must ask ourselves is: What does this illness want to build inside me? What do I still need to learn? Finally, I would like to express my eternal gratitude to the opportunity of coming into contact with Spiritism. It has saved my incarnation. My gratitude also to Our Master Jesus, for his unconditional love, which comes to us through the love shown by the Spiritual Benefactors, family, friends and health workers. Very often, all we need to carry on is the friendly presence of someone or a tender look. Peace to everyone.