When Alba Violeta Espitia began her cancer treatment, she found herself overwhelmed by exhaustion and uncertainty. Despite the challenges, she discovered comfort and strength through spiritual care, particularly in her relationship with Chaplain Silena Villanueva at Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, part of UHealth – University of Miami Health System.
Espitia, originally from Venezuela and living in the United States for nearly four years, was diagnosed with renal cancer in 2017. By 2020, her cancer had spread to her lungs and sternum. She has since undergone several treatments and is currently participating in a clinical trial for a medication called Cadastifan. “It’s been a real encouragement to be part of this study,” Espitia said. “Knowing that my participation might help this medication get approved gives me hope.”
Her introduction to spiritual care came through another patient at the center who informed her about various support programs available at the hospital. This led Espitia to social workers who helped arrange transportation for medical appointments and encouraged her to meet with a spiritual advisor.
Espitia describes how brief conversations and prayers soon became essential sources of comfort during difficult times. “Sometimes one is seeking something that you don’t really know you need,” she said. “That’s what I found in Silena — she has given me so much support. We speak, we pray, we laugh.” Over time, these interactions grew into deep discussions about faith and healing.
Villanueva also introduced Espitia to activities offered by Sylvester’s Survivorship and Supportive Care Institute such as yoga, acupuncture, art therapy, music therapy, massage therapy, and exercise classes. Participating in these programs helped Espitia manage the side effects of treatment while providing motivation during challenging days.
The relationship between Espitia and Villanueva became especially significant as Espitia faced personal hardships—she has not seen her only son or grandson for several years due to their living abroad. “She’s more than a chaplain — she’s a friend,” said Espitia. “She helped me see that I am not alone.”
Frank J. Penedo, Ph.D., director of the Sylvester Cancer Survivorship and Supportive Care Institute at Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center emphasized the importance of spiritual care: “Spiritual care provided by chaplains trained to work with cancer patients and survivors is an essential part of whole-person cancer care,” he said. “It helps patients navigate the complex emotional and existential challenges of their diagnosis, and it’s a vital complement to medical treatment. Chaplaincy services are fully integrated into our survivorship and supportive care programs thus facilitating care coordination and delivery of essential spiritual and supportive care.”
For Espitia, faith extends beyond personal well-being; it also fosters community among those undergoing similar experiences with cancer. Through Villanueva’s guidance, she has encouraged others facing illness to seek spiritual support—a process many have described as positive.
Espitia now sees her ongoing journey not simply as an illness but as an opportunity for growth: “God knows how long and why I’m living this experience.”
