“If my story inspires others to medical care, that’s already a win” – Chiara Fadda after battling cancer

Physically, I’m still recovering from the treatments and surgery – it’s a long process. They say it could take up to a year for my body to heal fully. I’m patient to regain my strength, even though the doctors have told me that with Addison’s, I’ll never be the same again.

People often think that once you beat cancer, the story ends there – like it’s all over and life goes back to normal. But the truth is, the hardest part starts after that. You are left figuring out how to rebuild your life, and for me, that includes facing uncertainties, like whether I’ll be able to have children. I am still hopeful, though! 

All in all, my life now is completely different from what it was before – it’s harder in many ways. But I’ve grown to love life so much more, and I’m deeply aware of how lucky I am. Whether it’s a big achievement or just an ordinary day where nothing bad happens, I cherish every moment. And every day, I try to show the people I love just how much they mean to me. 

We can all take something away from that. What role has your Hapag-Lloyd community played in supporting you throughout this journey?

I think the people at Hapag-Lloyd really appreciated the first interview! Cancer is something that makes a lot of people uncomfortable – it’s almost like they are afraid to talk about it. But after the interview was published, so many people commented on the post to wish me well and congratulate me on my "courage". Honestly, though, I don’t think I’m particularly brave. I just want to make cancer feel like a part of everyday life, something we can talk about openly.

What really stood out to me was that the post encouraged others to share their own stories. That was the most meaningful part for me – seeing how it created a space for connection.

Unfortunately, I couldn’t reply to everyone. When the article came out, I had just undergone a bilateral mastectomy and could not use my arms for about a month and a half. I did not have the chance to respond to all the comments, but I want to take this opportunity to thank the entire Hapag-Lloyd family. Your support meant so much to me!

I heard about your crowdfunding campaign for the Breast Unit at “Ospedale Policlinico San Martino”. What inspired you to start this?

Honestly, it all started in such a simple moment – I was taking a shower and thought, “What can I do for the people who saved my life?” That question stuck with me. I realized this was one way I could help.

Even though I’m not very savvy with social media, I decided to start recording myself on Instagram to share my story. Thanks to the incredible generosity of people in Genoa and beyond, we’ve already raised around 12,000 Euros! Initially, the goal was 10,000 Euros, but since we hit that in just one week, I decided to raise the target to 20,000 Euros. It’s hosted on GoFundMe, so anyone can contribute. Every contribution is a win for the amazing team at the Breast Unit. But honestly, no matter the final amount, this campaign is already a success to me. 

What a success already! What are the specific goals of your campaign, and how will the funds be used to support the Breast Unit?  

I chose the Breast Unit at IST (Istituto Tumori) in San Martino Hospital in Genoa because that’s where I received my treatment and had my surgery. The people who work there aren't just doctors and nurses – they’re like angels. They truly love what they do and approach their work with such devotion, which, unfortunately, isn’t always guaranteed in the Italian healthcare system.

Initially, the idea was to use the funds exclusively for research. But after speaking with the head of the oncology department, another idea came up. When you’re going through chemo, you lose your hair everywhere, also your eyelashes and eyebrows, which completely changes the features of your face. Your skin becomes discolored, your nails turn black – it’s like you don’t recognize yourself anymore. That’s why we decided for a makeup room in the hospital that could help women feel even just a little more beautiful during those difficult times and it’ll open a space where they can get together without being pitied by other guests. That psychological boost is so important.

Is there any message you would like to share with others who might be thinking about supporting your campaign? 

I don’t think I have just one message. But summed up, I’d say this: when you survive an illness you can’t just stand still. You feel this urge to make a difference for others who might face the same fight in the future. That’s what this campaign is about. For me, the real goal is spreading the word and building awareness within the network. That alone would be a huge support!

So many of my colleagues in Genoa supported the initiative – they’ve donated, shared the campaign, and even reposted my videos on Instagram. Their support was unexpected and just incredible. I really love the atmosphere in our Genoa offices.

I’m very happy for you and I can feel your thrive! What message would you like to share with your Hapag-Lloyd colleagues about the importance of supporting one another?

“Supporting one another” reflects one of our core values at Hapag-Lloyd. I see so much potential for Hapag-Lloyd to engage in health-related initiatives – it aligns perfectly with our company values. I think there’s a lot we could do to make a bigger impact.

And with this fundraiser, it’s not just about the money, it’s about breaking the stigma around cancer. We need to talk about it without shame and without immediately associating it with death. I’ve also heard from several people who told me they’ve started prioritizing their health and regular check-ups after hearing my story. That makes me so happy – if my story inspires others to medical care, that’s already a win. My dream is that one day there will be a cure for cancer, and this topic won’t feel as heavy or frightening as it does now.

This fundraiser is just a small step toward that dream. It’s like a drop in the ocean – but the ocean is made of drops. Imagine what we could achieve if each of us added our own drop to that ocean. Together, we can make a real difference.