Get to know Marie-Evelyne Feyerick

What is your role within The Symphony of Us?

‘I’m a member of the steering committee. Even though I received treatment as a cancer patient eight years ago, I still consider myself a patient. I really believe in this project and the impact it can have.’

What do you think is the strength of The Symphony of Us?

‘The research team consists of people from diverse professions and cultural backgrounds. It’s impressive to see how they turn those differences into strengths. The name is really appropriate for this innovative project.’

Why is a transdisciplinary approach vital for patients?

‘When you’re treated for cancer, people often just see you as a cancer patient. They don’t consider the other parts of your life… your family, job and all the rest of it. That can frustrate you during treatment. A transdisciplinary approach feeds the process with new perspectives from outside. When you see a patient as a person, it can really boost their motivation. They are more inclined to follow guidelines and protocols designed to save their lives. It’s a real shame that the transdisciplinary approach wasn’t around during my own treatment.’

What about it motivates you the most to take part in the project?

‘I’ve been advocating for instilling more humanity in the patient process for eight years now. When I heard about The Symphony of Us, it astonished me that such an approach hadn’t existed before. The idea that a cancer patient should be more valued in the process is quite new. This is a chance for our voice to be heard more. The credibility and potential impact that the King Baudouin Foundation’s support brings to this project will also make a real difference.’

At what point as a patient does The Symphony of Us become a success for you?

‘The fact that the King Baudouin Foundation supports this perspective, that four young researchers have decided to join us on this specific issue and that they want to delve deeper already makes it a success. Personally, I hope that the results of this study improve communication between health care providers and patients. Poor communication causes a lot of frustration. We often speak a different language. I didn’t understand my doctor even though he spoke French with me. Things have changed in recent years with patient-centred initiatives. For instance, patient experts have been introduced in hospitals that act as an intermediary between health care providers and patients. It would be terrific if this project brought about further improvements.’

As a patient, what insight would you like to share with the rest of the world?

‘You have more power as a patient to make decisions than you might think. Decisions were regularly made for me throughout the treatment of my illness. At first, I only had two choices: where I wanted to be treated and whether I wanted a second opinion. Standing up for yourself can make your treatment more bearable without preventing doctors from doing their job. So instead of putting your life on pause and just being a spectator, you are an active participant in your own life.

As the current steering committee chair, what do you definitely want to safeguard?

‘I find the dynamics of the steering committee fascinating. Sofie Bekaert, our previous chair, working with the King Baudouin Foundation team encouraged us to keep an open mind during our meetings. I want to continue on that path. Our team is quite active and motivated. It’s a transdisciplinary team, so it has experts from different fields. That makes it perfect for this project. This aspect is important and should not be overlooked.’

What has recently touched you deeply?

‘About eight years ago when I was sick, I really needed something to help me get through it. The idea of having grandchildren one day kept me going. I was deeply moved when my son and daughter-in-law told me we would become grandparents. Since then, my grandson was born. He’s the start of a new chapter in my life.’

Which qualities do you value in others?

‘I value respect and an open mind, especially in a diverse project like this. I also believe it’s a good thing when people know their limits. When faced with challenges, it’s okay to ask for advice or help.’

Besides your health, what do you find are the important things in life?

‘My husband, children and grandson mean a lot to me. I also think it’s important that everything I do has a positive impact. Volunteering provides opportunities to make a difference. Ten years ago, I didn’t realise that having an impact and helping the community would give me a positive purpose in my life.’