Marianne Micallef writes:
I feel fortunate and so privileged to have crossed Helen’s path through my breast cancer experience. I met Helen in 1995 when I joined the Breast Care Support Group, which was headed by the formidable Hilda Schembri.
Helen at the time was the advisory nurse to the group, who assisted and supported us all throughout our cancer journey and made us understand that we had a mission for Malta – together we could make a difference for breast cancer patients.
Helen believed in us and her commitment towards raising awareness on breast cancer and breast cancer nursing was the way forward. This led Helen to attend a course in the UK to train and become a breast care nurse. Following this, in 1998 we organised the first of many breast care awareness courses for nurses and health care professionals.
My decision to work alongside Helen has been inspirational and rewarding. Her belief in the cause, her negotiating skills, charisma and her professionalism all contributed factors to the development of breast care nursing in Malta.
In 2000, Malta had its first breast care nurse. More courses followed, and eventually a Breast Care Unit with more breast care nurses was set up at the hospital for the benefit of breast cancer patients. Indeed, we have lost a true medical professional who put her patients first.
I count my blessings every day to have met you, Helen. I am what I am today thanks to you. We practised perseverance together.
We laughed together, we cried together. You never gave up. You will always have a special place in my heart and you will be dearly missed. Thank you Helen.