“There is always a light at the end of a dark tunnel. Believe in yourself that you can get there.” These are the words that 21-year-old Abigail Pace told Lovin Malta when explaining how she turned her battle with lymphoma into her own little charity for the Puttinu Cares Foundation. 

We got in touch with the bright-eyed third-year medical student who generously graced us with her heartwarming story, having already made the rounds as part of a new online initiative by the Malta Medical Students’ Association (MMSA) called the Student Spotlight. 

“Card Creations by Abbie came to mind while I was taking chemotherapy treatment,” Abigail told us. “I spent certain weeks taking my treatment in the Rainbow Ward at SAMOC, and hence I could see, from a personal perspective, part of the dedication the team at Puttinu Cares showed towards those in need, and the great lengths they go to.” 

Abigail explained that although Puttinu Cares did not help her in a financial sense, they were a vital source of emotional support. “This prompted me to come up with the initiative as a way to thank them back. It ended up not only being a beneficial platform where I could help this foundation, but also a therapeutic getaway for me that helped a lot with my recovery, and a beautiful positive memory that I created from such difficult times.”

“It ended up not only being a beneficial platform […] but also a therapeutic getaway for me that helped a lot with my recovery, and a beautiful positive memory that I created from such difficult times.”

Abigail discussing Card Creations by Abbie

MMSA President Jordy Borg also explained why Abigail was the perfect choice for the Student Spotlight. “We want to recognise initiatives and activities by medical students, and help support these students to continue contributing to society – be it through philantropy, arts, sports, etc. We also aim to share stories such as the one of Abigail to help everyone get to know [one another] and to be more supportive and considerate of each other.”

“I had moments of giving up, we are only human. What makes you exceptional is the fact of picking yourself up once again with a greater belief in yourself that you are strong enough to be able to do this.”

When asked Abigail if she had any words for young people who might be going through similar situations. “Waking up everyday with the mindset that you can overcome the challenge you are currently passing through can be extremely beneficial. […] I had moments of giving up, we are only human. What makes you exceptional is the fact of picking yourself up once again with a greater belief in yourself that you are strong enough to be able to do this. […] In the end, you will be granted with the greatest victory, as all things come to an end, even the negative ones.”

Card Creations by Abbie donates 50 c for each card sold which is donated directly to the Puttinu Cares Foundation. You can check out Abigail’s works right here. 

Tag a friend and share Abigail’s story

READ NEXT: Malta’s Most Adorable Party Went Down At The Rainbow Ward

Matthew Baldacchino

Self-titled resident SJW and expressionless in-house Head of Internal Marketing. Matt loves prepping vegan and vegetarian food, consumes way too much coffee, and has an unhealthy penchant for storyboarded Instagram Stories. When he's not trying to figure out social media policies, marketing strategies or cracking SEO conundrums, you can catch him as the host of Basically, Livestream Of Consciousness or Lovin Daily. Hit him up if you've got a story about the environment, arts and culture, health, politics and activism, or LGBTQI+ issues. He's also a doctor, but we don't talk about that.