Coping with the Prospect of Farewell

Dr. Jessica Bardales, a Cuban medical graduate, reflects on her nearly two-decade journey in Nevis, a Caribbean island that became her home and the backdrop for a life deeply intertwined with the community. Her story is one of profound connection, resilience in the face of adversity, and unwavering faith. Arriving in Nevis in 2003, she built her medical practice from humble beginnings, tirelessly serving the island’s residents and advocating for preventative healthcare. She recalls the early days with humor, remembering her rudimentary English and the patience of her first patients. Nevis became the foundation of her family life; her children were raised there, attending local schools, participating in community events, and finding a second home in their church. The island fostered deep bonds, weaving a tapestry of relationships with people from diverse backgrounds who enriched her life.

This idyllic existence was disrupted in 2012 with a breast cancer diagnosis. After initial treatment in Cuba and the US Virgin Islands, Dr. Bardales continued her care in Nevis, supported by the dedicated Dr. Erole Hobdy, whose services were invaluable to the community. The community rallied around her, demonstrating the island’s characteristic love and support through a fundraising event that helped cover the costs of her treatment. This outpouring of support resonated deeply with Dr. Bardales, who had herself experienced the power of community compassion while helping another cancer patient, Ruby Chapman, return home to Nevis for her final days. The experience of giving back to the island that embraced her brought a sense of healing and solidified the reciprocal love she felt for Nevis.

In 2015, despite further surgeries and treatments, the cancer returned, requiring radiation therapy. Fueled by the unwavering encouragement of her young children, she persevered. Their simple yet powerful message of strength and resilience, symbolized by her son’s gift of his beloved teddy bear, Mr. Brave, became a source of comfort and determination throughout her ongoing battle. The community’s support, the love of her family, and her own indomitable spirit carried her through these challenging times.

In 2018, Dr. Bardales and her family relocated to Sweden, a move prompted by her husband’s opportunities. Just three months later, she received the devastating news that the cancer had returned. This marked the beginning of a relentless cycle of treatments, scans, and medication changes, each with its own debilitating side effects. Despite the physical and emotional toll, she embarked on the arduous process of obtaining her medical license in Sweden, driven by her unwavering dedication to her profession. Remarkably, amidst the ongoing treatments, she not only secured her license but also began serving a diverse patient population in Stockholm, including refugees from war-torn countries.

The reprieve was short-lived. In late 2023, brain scans revealed metastasis, requiring yet another round of radiation therapy. She acknowledges the psychological impact of this news and the need for professional support. The cumulative effects of years of treatment manifested in frightening episodes of suicidal ideation, highlighting the profound mental health challenges faced by those battling chronic illness. However, through prayer and unwavering faith, she found the strength to persevere, drawing on her belief in a higher power and the healing power of prayer. She continued to find solace and strength in her faith, crediting it for her ability to maintain a positive outlook despite the ongoing health challenges.

Dr. Bardales’ story is not just about her personal battle with cancer; it’s a testament to the human spirit’s resilience, the power of community, and the importance of faith. She shares her experience not out of a desire for attention, but from a belief in the power of shared stories to normalize the struggles of cancer patients and offer hope and encouragement to others facing similar battles. Despite rumors of her demise, she remains steadfast in her commitment to living fully, spreading love, and using her knowledge to make a positive impact on the lives of others.

Returning to Nevis after almost eight years is a poignant moment for Dr. Bardales. It’s a farewell to the physical spaces that hold so many memories: her former offices, her church, her family home with the trees planted to mark her children’s birthdays. It’s a goodbye tinged with both joy and sorrow. While she acknowledges the uncertainty of her future, she emphasizes that this return isn’t about dying, but about embracing life. She chooses to focus on the present, holding onto hope that she can continue to serve in her profession, finding strength in her faith and the unwavering support of her loved ones.

Her return is also an opportunity to reconnect with the community she loves, even if her fragile health limits her interactions. Despite the physical limitations imposed by ongoing treatment, she makes plans to connect with community members, sharing her story and offering encouragement. She expresses her deep gratitude to the people of Nevis and St. Kitts, who welcomed her and her husband almost two decades ago and continue to embrace her with open arms. As she prepares to depart once more, she carries with her the cherished memories of the island’s beauty, the warmth of its people, and the deep love that has become an integral part of her being. Her story concludes with a heartfelt thank you, a message of love, and a reminder of the power of community and faith in the face of adversity. She also shares links to videos created by local cancer survivors, further emphasizing the importance of awareness and support within the community.