Doria Medina: The fight against cancer is made from the strength that your loved ones give you.

The Bolivian businessman and politician talked to Página Siete Digital about that stage and his new projects, among them the support to the fight against this disease.

Hours after revealing that he has been facing cancer since last year, the Bolivian businessman and politician talked to Página Siete Digital about this stage, his present and his future.   

Samuel Doria Medina is clear that the strength of the family is key in this battle and he knows it because he sheltered himself with that factor. 

In this context, he makes it clear that he is back and plans many projects, among them the support to the fight against this disease.

How did you receive the news of the cancer?  

Of course it was bad news. The first reaction is one of disbelief, but immediately afterwards you know that you have to put yourself in the hands of the doctors.   

What was the reaction of your family?  

I am really grateful to my family, who have supported me in every way. I would say that the fight against this disease, to a large extent, is done from the strength that your loved ones give you.   

What was the hardest part of the treatment?  

The side effects of chemotherapy. There are days when you can't lift your eyelids. On those days, what remains is faith, family and hope.   

Was it an early detection?  

Yes. And in that, it's good for all of us to remember the enormous importance of being alert and having regular check-ups. That is one of the things I have learned. The importance of prevention.   

How long ago was the disease detected?  

I was detected last year.   

How do you see the Bolivian health system, do you think it is ready to fight cancer?  

In Bolivia there are many talented professionals with a great humanistic vocation in medicine. However, there are still great challenges in technology and above all in access for all to quality medicine.   

You were diagnosed with cancer in the middle of the pandemic. How did you cope with the disease during the peaks of contagion?  

Following the doctors' recommendations and, as I said, with the support of my family and many friends.   

What activities did you have to put on hold because of the treatment?  

There was a moment, the weeks of chemotherapy, when it was very difficult to do any activity. Thank God, my teams have been up to the challenges, since I am promoting a moment of strong investment in our country. For example, with the construction of Green Tower in La Paz, the tallest tower in Bolivia and one of the most modern in Latin America, a project that has generated a lot of employment for thousands and thousands of Bolivian families, and therefore, a project that could not stop.   

What habits changed in your life?  

The truth is that after the chemotherapy stage I have returned to practically all my activities.   

What can you rescue from this stage?  

The value of family, friends, the importance of hope and my commitment stronger than ever to support the fight against cancer in our country.