The “Together We Care” exhibition, hosted by Douleurs Sans Frontières (DSF) in partnership with the Institut de Recherche pour le Développement (IRD), shines a light on the resilience of the human spirit through art and advocacy. 

Open from January 16 to February 16 at F3 (Friends Futures Factory), the exhibition intertwines art and medicine to inspire hope and foster awareness about healthcare challenges in Cambodia.

“At the heart of the exhibition are evocative photographs by Miguel Jeronimo, capturing moments of joy and connection amid struggles with illness,” explained the organisers. 

Complementing these visuals are paintings by students from the Royal University of Fine Arts, which vividly portray the courage and strength of individuals, particularly women, battling cancer.

More than an artistic display, “Together We Care” highlights the personal journeys behind the art. 

Through DSF’s palliative care programs, visitors learn about individuals like Sophai, Nop Bros and Soeung. 

Until September 2023, Sophai balanced her life between her career and being a devoted mother to her only daughter. 

“This changed when she was diagnosed with stage IV uterine cancer. Sophai immediately sought hospital treatment, but the cancer was too advanced for curative care,” according to DSF. 

In an attempt to fight the disease, she stopped eating meat, believing it might slow its progression; however, her strength diminished and her suffering increased. 

Sophai was then referred to DSF's home-based care programme, which provided pain management, information about cancer and how it progresses, and psychosocial support. 

Now, she is learning to cope with her diagnosis in new ways. With the support of her caregivers, she is reframing her understanding of health, well-being and resilience, allowing her to find moments of peace.

Nop Bros, after overcoming penile cancer, has embraced a monastic life, discovering peace and purpose in his new role. 

Soeung, a breast cancer survivor, draws strength from her young daughter as she confronts the stigmas surrounding her diagnosis. Miguel Jeronimo

“Everybody has karma, and every circumstance, no matter how difficult, has a reason to exist,” said Bros, 60. 

After his operation, Bros chose to continue life as a monk instead of returning to his family. The pagoda's serenity provides him stability and clarity. 

Supported by DSF's medical care and psychosocial assistance, he maintains his health and well-being as part of the monastic community.

Soeung, a breast cancer survivor, draws strength from her young daughter as she confronts the stigmas surrounding her diagnosis, buoyed by DSF’s unwavering support.

For 30 years, DSF has been a beacon of hope for the vulnerable populations, delivering medical care across 11 provinces and pioneering innovations like home-based care and teleconsultations. 

“We’ve made significant strides in reaching underserved communities and training local healthcare professionals,” said Claire Robaye, DSF country director.

“However, challenges like limited rural infrastructure, inadequate access to essential medications and cultural stigmas around illnesses persist,” she added.

DSF’s advocacy extends beyond treatment. They collaborate with the Ministry of Health and organise sensitisation campaigns to address healthcare gaps. 

Their efforts have been recognised by the WHO, further highlighting the importance of their mission.

A cornerstone of DSF’s work is reducing the stigma surrounding illnesses like cancer. In many Cambodian communities, such diagnoses are often misunderstood or shrouded in silence. 

Soeung is buoyed by DSF’s unwavering support. Miguel Jeronimo

DSF employs workshops, awareness campaigns and personal storytelling to foster open dialogue about health. 

Using creative mediums like theatre and photography, they engage diverse audiences and encourage early diagnosis and treatment.

“Patients often feel guilt or shame about their illness,” Claire shared. “By sharing real stories and promoting education, we’re dismantling misconceptions and empowering communities to seek care without fear.”

DSF’s ongoing donation campaign highlights the tangible impact of every contribution: $10 screens one person for HPV, a vital step in cervical cancer prevention; $20 funds a consultation with medical and psychosocial support for a patient and their family; and $100 sponsors a cancer awareness campaign for 100 students.

Contributions can be made through DSF’s official website or ABA Pay, ensuring every dollar supports a culture of health, dignity and community.

DSF’s vision extends far beyond the gallery walls. Their long-term goal is to expand access to palliative care and psychosocial support across Cambodia, creating a network that ensures no one faces illness alone. 

“Individuals can help by volunteering or fundraising, while organizations and donors can contribute financial resources or expertise to scale our initiatives,” Claire told The Post.

The “Together We Care” exhibition reflects DSF’s commitment to raising awareness about pain management and palliative care. 

“Through art and storytelling, the exhibition highlights the experiences of patients and caregivers, drawing attention to the importance of compassionate care,” said Claire.  

As DSF continues its work, she said, it remains clear that improving healthcare access in Cambodia requires collective action.