Digestive Cancers Europe (DiCE) had the incredible opportunity to attend the WECAN Academy in the sunny city of Barcelona. Our goal at DiCE is to ensure that every patient affected by a digestive cancer receives the best possible care and support. The WECAN Academy was not just an event but a significant step towards achieving this mission, offering specialised training in areas crucial for effective patient advocacy.

In WECAN, we had the opportunity to learn, understand, and gain insight into patient advocacy. Each session was designed to equip us with the skills to advocate more effectively. We left the academy feeling more empowered and better prepared to support digestive cancer patients in various ways.

One of the most rewarding aspects of the WECAN Academy was the opportunity to meet and connect with other patient advocates from across Europe and the world. We shared experiences, ideas, and strategies, forming bonds that will help us collaborate more effectively in the future. These connections allowed us to understand different perspectives and challenges other advocates and organisations face, enriching our approaches.

We are deeply grateful to WECAN for organizing such a transformative learning journey. The training has equipped us with the tools and confidence to make a real difference in the lives of digestive cancer patients. As their motto wisely states, “There is no shortcut to knowledge,” and we are thankful for the invaluable insights we’ve gained.

Author:
Laura Urena