Nearly 5 years ago, Céline and Loeiza were battling cancer. While they felt their medical care was comprehensive, they realized they were facing the challenges of support during the illness alone, also experiencing a sense of abandonment once treatments were over. This is when they came up with the idea to create the Symbiose association.
"We noticed that there was really a lack of support on a holistic level,” recalls Céline Prodhomme. “We also spoke with doctors to understand their perspective, as we sensed there was also distress on their side, a frustration of not being able to support their patients 100%.”
The Symbiose house offers 360° support, the most comprehensive for all types of women and situations, starting from the diagnosis of the disease, during treatments, and up to a year after they end.
The goal is for women to come and recharge, but also to find advice on adapted physical activity, nutrition, relaxation techniques, and remediation of cognitive abilities affected by treatments. This support helps reduce the risk of recurrence, and allows for a quicker return to work and self-confidence.
The social connections formed are also a great help for the women welcomed. “They build social ties with other women,” says Céline Prodhomme. “And that is very important for their recovery, so they are not alone and can take time for themselves, having moments of letting go in their daily lives.”
The Symbiose house is also very active with businesses. “Our goal is to explain to business leaders that the association can intervene for their affected employees,” explains Céline Prodhomme. “At the same time, a company can also be a supporter of the association through sponsorship, whether financial or in terms of skills. There is a lot we can mutually offer each other.”
Since its opening in 2023, 146 women have been supported by the Symbiose association in the Côtes d'Armor region.
