Real People & Real Lives
With Your Help We Can Succeed
Jane Boreham
My Story
When asked to contribute to this site I felt honoured but grateful to be able to put down in words how Tulips have helped us as a family.
Little did we know that when granddaughter Millie did a sponsored swim for Tulips Christmas 2018, some six weeks later we would be knocking on their door for support.
A wonderful peep talk given to my husband by Raziye set us on the road for treatment, this was followed by one to my daughter when we went, a few weeks later for a wig.
Throughout my treatment Tulips have made sure my drugs were collected and delivered to the hospital, meaning we did not have to rush around getting them ourselves, reassured us when we had wobbles, of which there were several, and now treatment is completed they are still there for us.
This is why we, as a family, of three generations, are willing to help support Tulips when ever we can.
Yes it was me, the bald headed model raising sponsorship at that HOT fashion show, again supported by Millie.
It was my husband, who walked with the blister sisters at the start of their walk, but it was incredible that one year later we, all three generations, took to the sea for the New Year's Eve swim!!! COLD!!!!
So we all say "thanks Tulips" from the bottom of our hearts.
Fatma Arpalikli
Cancer knocked on my door
From the day of birth, human beings develop their own unique formulas while carrying the responsibilities they have taken on, or the ones that have been put on their shoulders. They live with these formulas as if they will last forever. Love, anger, happiness and even illnesses are calculated in these formulas.
Switching to plus in order not to decrease, multiplying to avoid diminishing. The constant effort of trying to change minuses and division. Then one day cancer knocked on my door. I thought I did not open it, but it turns out that it was the unknown formula. It reached right inside of my DNA where no-one could reach and changed all the values in my body. Since that day I am living without calculations.
We do not need a formula in order to live.
Fatma Sabri
My Story
Breast cancer could not take my hopes nor my joy of living away from me.
It was six years ago, exactly on the first of September when I found out I had breast cancer.. At first I questioned “why me?”, I cried a lot, I was hurt, but I was still a fighter. Both of my breasts were removed.
There was no trace left of the joyful, happy, and wanderer person that I used to be. My partner, my children, and my friends gave me so much support that I asked life “why are you so sad?” I visualised myself as a warrior and continued with the battle..I am the winner.
Six years later I am happy with my prosthetic breast implants, I am alive, never stop fighting.
Early diagnosis saves lives.
Fatma Sabri
Sevigi Alibaba
What Life Brings
I could say that I have faced the consequences of not listening to my own body after I was diagnosed with breast cancer. In 1998 I sent my eldest daughter to study University at Turkey. In 1999 I sent my middle daughter to study University at America, the same year my youngest daughter started high school. I remember feeling fatigue since 1997 which got worse day by day. I could not breath when I laid down. In 1999 I noticed a lump in my armpit. I presumed it was because of the job I was doing, but that was not the case.I could not stop my life even if someone told me to do so, I was on a financial and moral run. I just wanted my children to study and for everything to go well.
In June 2001, I learnt that life does not the way you plan it. The lump in my armpit and on the side of my breast had dried my arm, stiff like wood. I went to my gynaecologist whom I did not visit for 13 years. The ultrasound results directly showed cancer and bleeding in the womb. After a needle biopsy, two large lumps in both my armpit and breast were removed. A week later, my right breast was completely removed in Ankara. Those damaged by lymph were cleared. I told my older children who were studying abroad that I just went for a check-up and handed over my youngest daughter to friends and relatives. The moment I saw myself in the mirror with one breast was the moment that I noticed that life is painful but valuable and that I needed to hold on to it one more time. With the pride and strength that came along with that thought I told myself “get up and pull yourself together, you have responsibilities”.
The order of my house was out of control. My little girl became a shoulder to cry on. May 2002, the uterine surgery. The need to go abroad over and over again. The treatment process. I was trying not to show my distress in order not to upset my children. The house wasn’t what it used to be.
Even today, I'm still under the influence or face the shortcomings of these ailments that I experienced 19 years ago. But I'm proud and determined. This is my second life. I now ask myself “Was the monotonic life I lived before cancer my life or the life with ups and downs that I have been living with a different mindset since overcoming cancer mine? “.
I am stressing the importance of EARLY DIAGNOSIS so that you do not experience the sadness and damage I have caused to my life and to my beloved children because I didn’t listen to my own body. Get yourself checked so that early precautions can be taken if you have cancer.
Terry Purser
How are we going to cope
In 2018 my wife Sally and I had the biggest shock of our lives; I was diagnosed with Melanoma and Lymphoma.
We were trying to come to terms with this horrible disease and our thoughts were, how are we going to cope? The thoughts of selling up and going back to the UK had crossed our minds.
We knew about Tulips charity as Sally had raised money for the charity 2 years previously, we said at the time "one day we may need help" we certainly were not thinking that it would be us.
We got in touch with Tulips and they were so supportive and helpful, at the time we felt all alone but Tulips gave us a purpose.
They are always there to help, they helped in collecting the drugs from the state pharmacy and delivered them to the hospital for my treatment, every 3 weeks and then every 8 weeks for 2 years, Tulips also provided a translator to overcome the language barrier.
During the lockdown Tulips were very efficient making sure everything ran smoothly, trying for us not to get out of a routine.
We have 10 words that describe Tulips to us: Offers comfort and aid to others in times of need.
Ziynet Selçuk
My Story
In my healthy years I volunteered to help Tulips as much as I could. I was diagnosed with thyroid cancer in 2010 and I started my treatment straight away.
First, my thyroids and nodes were removed, then I received atom treatment in order to avoid recurrence. During my routine check-ups in December 2011 there was a mass found in my breast and I had to go under surgery.
My doctor told me not to be upset and assured me that he would do anything that was required for my recovery.
When I came out of the surgery, I was told that my right breast was removed as well as my lymph nodes. After my surgery my doctor informed me that we had got rid of all the risk factors. Then, I came back to Cyprus and started chemotherapy.
I heard that this would lead to hair loss and I knew this would affect me, so I shaved my head and bought myself a wig.
Although there were a lot things that were affecting me strongly during the time of the treatment, I managed to stay strong with the support of friends and family.
Anyone who had come to see me after I was diagnosed with breast cancer looked at me like I was about to die but I did not let these looks affect me.
I held on to life and kept my morale high. I carried on doing all the things that made me happy with more enthusiasm. I completed my treatment in 2011 and got rid of cancer.
Although I have been healthy until now, I am still concerned if it suddenly repeats. However, I do not let this doubt take over my life, I live my healthy days with gratitude and carry on living the best way that I can.
It is beautiful to live. If I have been given this life, I will live it. Cancer is not death. Your mood is really important during this illness, what makes you strong is your morale and the joy you have to live. Love life, live it to the fullest, and keep your morale high; because it is beautiful to be alive!
I would like to thank Tulips and the president of the association RaziyeKocaismail for their endless support.
I am proud to be a part of Tulips volunteering now for many years. I wish immediate healing and patience to anyone who has to go through this illness, do not forget; to live is the most beautiful thing.
With Love,
Ziynet Selçuk
Barbara Willbye
How Did Tulips Help Me?
TULIPS helped me by just being there, knowing there was somewhere I could go for advice on doctors, medication, answering my questions, accompanying me on appointments and giving the support that as a cancer patient we need, by people who understand the impact cancer has on our families lives as well as our own.
Thank you Tulips for your continued support
Bahar Gökhan
One day, I was in Ankara for a Concert
Masters, language course, television programs, concerts, album, my life as an engineer, my home, my children, my family.. A total chaos..
One day, I was in Ankara for a concert. I had a lump in my breast which had been there for a long time. It was under control and they told me it was harmless. One year later, I was told by the doctor that I needed to do more frequent check-ups (every 6 months). I told him that we could do the check-up after the concert; my job had been a priority at the time.
I felt that the lump grew even more while I was in Ankara. I went to the doctor and got a digital tomography done. I needed an urgent operation.. How?
I was appointed by the presidency to do a concert on the Ankara radio. I decided to go under the surgery the day after the concert. My doctor smiled. It’s been 10 years and my doctor is still smiling.. Breast cancer.
I decorated the process with my songs.. I tried to give morale support to the people who called and to the ones who came to see me. Raziye Kocaismail was right by my side. Then radiotherapy, check-ups every 3 months after a successful treatment, and finally the 10th year.
I have never skipped a check up, in fact I got them done twice. I went back to my working life as soon as I could, but I slowed down my life. Diagnosis was a turning point for me. I realised my own worth. I kept away from the people that made me upset, I decided that I was going to learn to say NO. I gave concerts, I sang songs. I gave talks and called to young girls through social media in order to create awareness.
Don’t be afraid of cancer, be afraid of late diagnosis. Smile, have fun, travel but don’t neglect your check ups.
I wish you all good health..
Fatma Ilıcan
My Story
I came to meet with breast cancer in 1996. I was one of the youngest patients and I was in a really bad situation at the time. During those days I found Tulips and met with Raziye, the president of the association of helping those with cancer. She was there for me both financially and morally. 23 years later (in 2019) she is still present for me.
I would like to thank Raziye, the management of the whole association and everyone who is working for Tulips.
Fatma Ilıcan
İlkiz Akrep
My Story
My name is IlkizAkrep. I was born in Nicosia in 1960. In 2008 I was diagnosed with breast cancer. I went through very difficult times. At first, I did not want to accept it.
I went to two other doctors. They also made the same diagnoses. I had to explain this to my husband and my kids. I went to Istanbul and had an operation done with Prof. VarolÇelik.
My breasts and lymph nodes were removed. The pathology results showed that they contained cancer cells, so I had to start chemotherapy and radiotherapy. In 2008 Dr.Umut used to come to the state hospital once a month, he made a treatment plan for me and gave it to Dr.ÖzlemGünkut to put it into application.
I was told that I had to take the radiotherapy in Turkey or in South Cyprus. My family was in the TRNC and I had a young child therefore I chose to get treatment in the South. I didn’t know Greek nor had a good level of English. My mood was very bad. I was literally torturing myself. I was trying not to reflect it on to my family. Even when I think about it now, I could have a psychological breakdown. The feelings of despair and my loved ones around me. My family was trying to come up with a solution. I was going to the South but how would I succeed? Just at the right time my friend told me about Tulips, that they were offering support by providing translators and transportation for cancer patients. I went to the association and met with the founder and president of the association RaziyeKocaismail. Dear Neşe, Sevgi, Işın,Pınar, Remzi , Civan.
Here everyone has a different role and they are putting all the effort that they can to do the best for Tulips.
Neşe booked an appointment for me in the South. The day of the appointment Remzi provided me with transport.
Civantranslated throughout the process. For a whole month, I was taken to the South every single day without paying anything to Tulips.
Everyone should get checked on time. I have kept my connection with Tulips since 2008. We have become a family. Everyone is doing their work at their full potential. The patient numbers are high and I am trying to help as much as I can.
Raziye Kocaismail, the founder and president of Tulips, she is everyone’s sister, and mother. If only she didn’t have cancer. She did not have these opportunities at the time. She decided to establish the association after all the struggle she went through, just so she could help people like us in need. Maybe I would not be this sensitive If I hadn’t gone through all of that. I lived it, I still see people living it and I wish every patient to get well soon.
Sue Tilt
I had never heard of Tulips...
When I was diagnosed with cancer in October 2010 I had never heard of Tulips nor had many other expat cancer patients at that time. I was lucky my friend Carole had and took me along to see Raziye Kocaismail who has been the chairperson of this fantastic organisation since its inception in 1993.
After getting over the initial feeling of panic the sense of relief was overwhelming to find someone, and an organisation, that understood what I needed and took the worry away from me trying to find my way around a system that was alien to me and a language that I could not speak. Before I knew it all my appointments were made followed by my prescriptions being collected and my drugs waiting for me at the hospital ready for each treatment.
So please ring Tulips if you or someone needs help and guidance, they are there to support you.
I have since forged a wonderful friendship that will last forever with Raziye and Tulips. As many of you know, I will continue to support with fundraising events and in any other way that I can.
I can’t thank Tulips enough for how they helped both myself and my husband at a time when we most needed it.
Gülen Çakko
I met with cancer in the year 2000
It was the start of a very difficult and painful period.
There were gaps in the health sector here so I had to go to Istanbul.
Financial and inner difficulties arouse, my children were really young.
Thankfully I completed my treatment with the help of Tulips, my friends and family.
I had received help from Tulips throughout every step of my treatment.
Thank you to everyone.
Malcolm Graham
CANCER! The one word we all dread to hear from our doctor ….
….but hear it we did back in 2019. Malcolm had Stage 3 Lymphoma for which he was then under the private health care system for 2 monthly monitoring. Then last summer his consultant declared that treatment needed to be commenced....cue panic, especially on top of being quoted the eye watering cost of £12,500!!! Would just one course of chemotherapy be sufficient if not where was it going to end? To his credit the consultant suggested we speak to Tulips.
Tulips very promptly asked Louise to come and see us. Even at the end of our first conversation we asked if she had been a Macmillan nurse, back in U.K. ....her reply was No, but that was exactly how she came across, with her compassion and quiet efficiency, calming us down so we could ' climb down off the proverbial ceiling'!!
She suggested we see Dr Diker in the Oncology Unit at the State Hospital in Lefkoşa. Our consultant passed over Malcolm's notes, no problem.
Louise assured us that going through the State system was considerably more ' do able'.
Understandably our big concern was coping with all the treatment and all that was, involved in a foreign country under the State system where little English is spoken.....apart from the consultants & doctors but Tulips was by our side in the form of Pinar who guided us through the initial stages in the Unit. Both she and Louise were just at the end of a phone when they were not physically present.
So, here we are today waiting the results of what we hope will be Malcolm's last scan after 6 months chemo.
We have had to pay for all his medication (but not the administering of it) at less than half the original quote. An incredible saving!
Malcolm's experience of treatment at the comparatively new unit which is very well run, has been excellent!
So, a heartfelt thank you to Tulips for all your help for a relatively smooth ride through a process which initially held terror in our hearts. You have been amazing.
Inevitably it hasn't all been a bed of roses as Malcolm battled his way through treatment but just having a point of contact in a bad moment meant everything to us......and to be fair it could have been worse.
To close, we are fortunate to have Raziye Kocaismail currently arranging for all her Tulip patients who are allowed to receive their Covid vaccinations in a safe environment. Thank you Raziye.
Cancer plus Covid....how unfortunate is that!!
Kim Sinclair
The help, guidance and support they give is second to none
After discovering I had breast cancer I was advised to contact Tulips.
Louise from Tulips explained my options and booked the appointment with the Surgeon.
When I saw the Surgeon Pinar from Tulips was with me and hubby, she also got the costs from the Pricing Dept.
Louise contacted me before and after my operation to see how I was.
Louise came to our home to discuss the next stage. Seeing the Oncologist.
Louise and Pinar arranged for my appointments and Pinar was with me and my friend Tina on the day.
When I was informed that Radiotherapy was required and I will need to take medication for 5 years.
Tulips arranged to pick up my medication.
After Radiotherapy, more tests required before seeing the Oncologist again and Tulips arranged for these tests and the appointments.
Pam Howe
Thank you with all my heart
My story started 6 months ago and in that short time I have been to hell and back. Its not a word of a lie that if it hadn’t been for the support of the Oncology Doctors and nurses and everyone at Tulips I am not sure if I would have managed.
Right from the start when I didn’t know who to talk too or what to do Tulips were there for me. From that initial visit when I was made to feel that no problem was insurmountable and that there would be answers to all my questions I felt so supported. The advice I have been given has helped me enormously. Louise did tell me that all I had to do was ring and she would help – I am sure she’s regretted that ever since as I seem to ring her rather a lot but she has always been there for me. Take all their advice and help you don’t realise at the time but you will need it.
I had first heard about Tulips when we came to live here and have supported them at fundraisers but never did I think I would need them. I was diagnosed with Stage 2 Cervical Cancer which then went to Stage 4B on further investigations. Tulips made me appointments with the Doctor, chemo and radiotherapy appointments, pointed me in the right direction at the hospital.......that was a major problem due to my inability to function during this time.
I am struggling to put into words how amazing this group of people are and I am eternally grateful that they are here in the TRNC supporting people like myself who have been given the devastating news that you have CANCER. I didn’t think there would be life at the end of the tunnel but here I am.
Please, please support Tulips in any way you can and never forget that these people are always there for you.
Henry Meenzen
We can’t imagine getting through this without Tulips
My wife and I came to Northern Cyprus in March 2019. We had been here several times for two weeks and now wanted to have a four and a half month break here.
We heard about the British Medical Laboratory and the blood tests they offer. Sadly mine showed I had cancer of the pancreas.
Extensive surgery followed, including fitting a temporary stoma. Chemotherapy started three months later and a month after six months treatment I had surgery to reverse the stoma.
Chemotherapy took place at the State Hospital in Lefkosa.
The prescription for the cancer drugs were collected once a fortnight by Tulips staff who arranged for their purchase.
They arranged for my treatment and the drugs were always waiting for me. They also arranged appointments for blood checks, MRIs and scans.
Tests showed I had a small spot on one lung.
Another three months chemotherapy treatment with a different drug prescription, organised by the oncologist and Tulips, with a further three months treatment starting after Christmas 2020.
Tulips and especially Louise have been extremely helpful and supportive, also with useful advice for us both and a listening ear for my wife. We have nothing but praise for her and Tulips, we can’t imagine getting through this without them.
Colin Wanless
Tulips offer support and assistance
Since being diagnosed with neuroendocrine tumour of the abdomen it was good to learn that Tulips could offer support and assistance which has proved invaluable especially with the current lockdown and travel restrictions.
Tulips have been active in arranging my medication in terms of a monthly injection and coordinating this with the Central Pharmacy and the Hospital who administer the treatment. Also I appreciate Tulips advice on the vaccine situation and steps to take in progressing this with the medical authorities.
We have been supporting Tulips even prior to my diagnosis and consider their voluntary work a great benefit to all cancer patients in the country.
Our gratitude goes to all members of the Tulips organization.
Keith & Sheila Rickman
We will never be able to thank Tulips staff enough
We have been associated with Tulips for some 5 years now. Initially we worked as fund raisers in such things as the Esentepe Fun Run which was itself a great experience.
We also felt good at being able to help raise funds for a very worthy organisation helping those with Cancer.
Little did we know that we would need their help.
In November 2017 Keith was diagnosed with Prostate Cancer and since then has gone through extensive Radiotherapy and Chemotherapy and is now managing the cancer with drugs.
In September 2020 Sheila was diagnosed as having Breast Cancer returning worse than before some 20 years previous.
She is currently going through extensive chemotherapy.
In both our cases we have been totally supported by Tulips and can only say in the best possible way.
Having cancer is a daunting time. Not only do you know you have it but there is so much that you don’t know and also how to deal with it here?
Tulips staff have been fantastic.
Doesn’t matter what day or time if you have a question they are available and they act as a bridge if necessary with the Hospitals and Doctors, although to be fair the Doctors are also available like no other place we have lived in. Tulips staff also check in on us to make sure we are okay; it’s not a one way street.
Those calls help keep the spirits up when needed and this can be often as any cancer sufferer will know.
We will never be able to thank Tulips staff enough it’s as simple as that!
Albert Jones
Thank you for everything you have done and the support you still give to us
We would like to say how wonderful all the tulips workers have helped during the most difficult time when my husband Albert Edward Jones was diagnosed with cancer March 2020.
In particular Louise and Pinar who have been outstanding in sorting appointments and being there on chemotherapy days to offer their support and just knowing they are there at the end of the phone to help.
Thank you for everything they have done and the support they still give to us,
from a very grateful Albert and Barbara Jones, Esentepe, North Cyprus
Anonymous
We hadn’t really appreciated exactly what Tulips did until we needed them
Well in the context of North Cyprus, to us Tulips was a well known local charity, in operation for a number of years offering support to Cancer patients.
Operated by volunteers from both the Turkish Cypriot and Ex Pat Community, Tulips is well known for its stalls, functions and events all of which were held to raise the funds necessary for it to operate.
Then everything changed with the outbreak of Covid, shops shut, events were cancelled and income dwindled.
Not a big issue we thought, but then out of the blue, one of us was diagnosed with cancer and all of a sudden Tulips featured prominently in our lives.
Why though? Well we hadn’t really appreciated exactly what they did, not just simply fund raising, but much, much more, the vast majority of which goes on unseen.
Whilst cancer care here is first class, negotiating the systems and particularly the language barrier can be very stressful for someone already under severe strain. It’s here where Tulips is at its best. Skilled unpaid volunteers are there to help with advice, counseling, arranging appointments, organising tests, collecting prescriptions, etc, just some of the hundred things which a cancer patient has to go through.
Without Tulips life for cancer patients here would be much more stressful and we personally owe them a considerable debt of gratitude.
We are all at risk of cancer, whatever we may think, and it’s in everyone’s interest to ensure that this worthwhile charitable organisation survives the current crisis.
Let us all do our part; a few lira from everyone weekly could make all the difference to someone, quite possibly you.
Gonce Çalıcı
I have been a member of Tulips for 15 years since 2006
I am an oncology patient. I had an operation in 2006. I had chemotherapy and radiotherapy.
I had my surgery done in Turkey. But Chemotherapy took place here at the State Hospital.
I took chemotherapy for 8 sessions. During this period, the Oncology Service, which is inside the State Hospital, had staff employed by the association.
I've seen them work devotedly for me and other patients. They did their best for us.
Once I needed to get radiotherapy I decided to take it on the Greek side for convenience as my options were only Turkey or the South. Raziye Hanım made all the communication with the hospital there on behalf of the association.
At that time, I received 35 sessions of Radiotherapy. At first, there the association could not provide buses. We needed to take a taxi to get there and our association was covering the fees.
Once the association had its own busses, we used their transport facilities to get to our appointments. In addition, the association provided us with translators in order to communicate with doctors during our appointments on the Greek side.
In the meantime, our Association was covering the costs of our medicines we bought in cash, and they were supplying the medicines that we could not find.
As I became ill I had to go to Turkey. All our travel allowances were paid and since then, no matter what problem we had, the President of our Association, Ms. Raziye, and our staff always stood by us with their smiling faces and meeting our needs.
They are all angels without wings.
I thank them very much for being with us until this day and I express my feelings of gratitude.
I am sure that they will still be with us whenever we need them.
I hope all illnesses come to an end!
Salih Neşe
Good evening Ms. Neşe, we talked about you and how much we love you with the children today.
They see you as their aunt, they know that they have an aunt who they can call, no matter what time of the night and share their troubles.
I share the same feelings with them.
I will not forget the financial and moral support Ms. Raziye has given us while Ayse was alive.
After Ayşe's death, the same situation still continues.
Even our closest relatives disappeared after their pain subsided, even their grandmother left after a month, she did not even look back, you were always with us.
Irem’s violin lessons, Mehmet Sait's guitar lessons, children's holiday gifts, clothes, social activities, these were the things that made us very happy.
I could not cope with all these without you. Please give Figen my greetings when you see her.
You all have a heart of gold and deserve all the love and respect.
I’m so glad you are in my life, your support gives me strength, I can overcome everything with you.
I will raise 3 of my children much better because of you. Thank you all so much.
With so much love and respect..
AYLİN IŞIK
In the morning of New Years Eve of 2018
I noticed a lump in my chest. I went to the hospital straight away and the doctor SERAL ÇAĞMAN understood at first sight.
He told me that a long process awaits me.
At first, I was very scared because many of my family members had breast cancer and died and I thought whether I would die too. After the pathology results came out, it was clear that I had to have an urgent surgery.
But did not have the money and did not know a doctor. My workplace found a doctor for me first. VAROL ESATOĞLU did my surgery and my right breast was removed. I was advised to contact ÖMER DİKER and RAZİYE KOCAİSMAİL . First I reached to Ömer Bey, he gave me a very long treatment and I had undergone a kidney surgery during the time I received chemotherapy and then I received radiation therapy.
During a gynaecological check-up, a cell was seen in my uterus, which meant another surgery.
Just when I thought I recovered I had to have another surgery done on my waist. I can-not even explain what I went through, it was a very difficult road.
I would like to thank Tulips who were with me on this path. My family, my boss and my doctors, thank you very much to everyone who was with me.
Now I get check-ups done regularly, I am very well. The association is very important for patients like us. I do not have a job, my financial situation is not good. The other day I did not have money to have a mammogram done, the association made an appointment immediately.
We are all going through a difficult period, but the patients need this association, the smallest help will be a medicine to a patient, please do not spare your support.
Hülya Can Şöföroğlu
I was diagnosed with breast cancer in October 2019
My left breast and lemph nodes were removed as a result of the operation I had undergone in November 2019.
During my treatment and recovery stage I had met Tulips and became a member of the association.
I thank you for what you have done during my treatment period, from sending me a helper to our house, to food aid, and helping out in covering the costs of medicinces and physiotherapy.
I would also like to thank the whole association for the support they provided me and Raziye Kocaismail for her interest.
I hope Tulips will remain open and I wish you all the best.
Naciye Can Acemoğlu
Dear Raziye Kocaismail
Firstly, I am very fortunate to meet a big-hearted person like you after having a brain tumour which I believe happened for a reason.
I thank you for your endless support in helping for my operation to take place, to buy medicine, for the physiotherapist you found, the psychologist, for the helper you sent to my house during the times I needed taking care of, and for the financial and food aid.
Although I am not able to provide the necessary help due to my situation, I believe that my family will provide you with support and take place in activities for the development and continuity of our association.
I send my love and respect to you, thank you a million times.
Sibel Aydın
I would like to briefly tell you how I met the association and how I noticed my illness.
I have lost my father to cancer 11 years ago and after that day I became a member of Tulips and started thinking what I could do to support patients struggling with cancer and the association itself.
We became a family in the association. I tried supporting by organizing kermess, badges and similar activities. After three years I started experiencing symptoms myself.
I had cramps in my stomach, my feet started to feel numb, and my ankles started to feel tired.
When I saw blood in the stool, I immediately contacted my doctor.
My doctor told me not to be afraid. Yes, he was right, on the contrary, I was gaining weight and that misled us.
Later, in the emergency department where I went with appendicitis pain, I learned that there was an obstruction in my biliary tract and a stent should be inserted.
I was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in the operation I had for the stent.
They told me I had a 10% chance of living with the highest probability.
I was terrified, but I had to overcome my fears and beat it.
Because I was a mother. I have achieved this with the support of our association and our doctors. Assistants from the association went to my home and made sure that the children did not feel my absence.
Likewise, the nurses and psychologists of our association supported me in this process. I would like to extend my endless thanks to all association employees who have provided us with their spiritual and moral support.