Séverine Martial, founder and director of NaMMa Editions and author: “We are more than our illness”
In Le rose à nos visages, published for Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Séverine Martial brings together the stories of women affected by breast cancer, their loved ones and those who support them. Born out of loss and personal experience, the book offers a deeper understanding of the disease and a message of hope.
What inspired you to write this book?
It began with the death of Caroline, my childhood friend. A year later, on a far smaller scale, I found myself going through tests and waiting for answers after a tumour was discovered.
I realised there was a lack of practical information in Mauritius. Statistics only tell part of the story. What I was missing were the stories of women who had been through the illness. After Caroline died, I kept wondering how, in 2024, someone could still die of breast cancer. That struggle to understand was also part of what led me to write the book.
Why the title 'Le rose à nos visages'?
It is, of course, a reference to Breast Cancer Awareness Month, but for me it mainly symbolises a return to life. When we smile or feel a strong emotion, colour rises to our cheeks.
After the shock of their diagnosis, these women find extraordinary strength to carry on with treatment, even when they feel like stopping. And at some point, the colour returns to their faces. Life resumes, sometimes differently. That is the hope I wanted to convey.
What struck you most about these encounters?
Ten women means ten different stories, with one common thread: the emotional journey. First comes fear, particularly the fear of not seeing their children grow up, followed by the desire to believe and see treatment through.
I was amazed by their resilience, whatever their background or financial circumstances. Some have a strong support network; others are alone. It makes me think of a rose growing in the desert.
At first, I wanted to pay tribute to Caroline and to these women. Then I let their stories guide me. Another purpose emerged: that a woman who discovers tomorrow that she has breast cancer might find hope in this book. That it might be a light to guide her. I nevertheless kept Caroline’s story, because sometimes the outcome is painful.
Diagnosed during the first Covid-19 lockdown, she struggled to obtain medical opinions. In my case, I sought medical advice as soon as I noticed something. What would the consequences have been if I had waited? I don’t know.
Why also give a voice to loved ones and healthcare professionals?
Loved ones are often the people we hear from the least. Yet they, too, are shaken and worried, while providing essential emotional and practical support. They deserved that space.
Sharing their stories can also help people unburden themselves. One woman told me she had never dared to speak about her illness beyond her close circle. She had almost felt ashamed of it. Being able to talk about it brought her relief. I also wanted to create a beautiful book that would do these voices justice.
With healthcare professionals, I focused on the human experience and their relationship with the patient, rather than the medical aspects. I brought together a range of perspectives: doctors, physiotherapists, nutritionists, a Zumba instructor, a sexologist, a psychologist… All these people who help bring life back.
How can we better support someone who is ill, particularly at work?
The accounts from Arnaud Lagesse, Group CEO of IBL, where Caroline was Head of Communications, Anishta, who works at Orange Business, and Simon Cavoli, an emergency nurse, offer valuable insights.
Simon had organised practical support for a friend with another type of cancer. Twenty messages are not necessarily helpful. Neither is receiving six cooked meals on a Sunday evening: it is better to spread them across the week. These small things can matter more than a succession of “How are you?” messages.
At work, everyone’s experience is different. Without suggesting that this applies to everyone, the stories show that continuing to work can help women stay active and maintain a sense of normality. It takes understanding and flexibility so that the person can contribute when she is able to.
In a company like Eclosia, or as was the case at IBL, showing her that she still has a place matters enormously. We are more than our illness. Illness takes over so many aspects of life, but we are still women, mothers and working women.
Beyond Breast Cancer Awareness Month, what would you like to see change in Mauritius?
I would like this book to help people better understand the illness and what those affected go through. Better understanding may also help us offer better support.
Above all, I want the message about early detection to remain present all year round. Organisations run many initiatives: we should not be afraid to reach out to them or seek medical advice when we notice something.
Two women I met for the book discovered their cancer during a screening initiative at Bagatelle Mall while they were out shopping. What would have happened if they had not stopped? That awareness must continue beyond Breast Cancer Awareness Month.