More than a thousand women gathered in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, on March 7 and 8, 2026, and made 700 pillows, which will be donated to women undergoing breast cancer treatment at the Rio de Janeiro Cancer Hospital. The action was part of a regional Women's Ministries Convention. Organizers shared that the event, themed "Transformed to Transform," took on even greater meaning with this activity.

The initiative is part of Ação Mulher (the Women's Action) project, promoted annually by the Seventh-day Adventist Church on the Saturday closest to International Women's Day.

“This weekend, coinciding with Women's Day and Adventist Women's Day, we had and encouraged the Women's Action project. We are women who are relevant to the community, to our church, and it couldn't be any different here at our event. We needed to carry out an action that could remind us of this relevance,” explained Maria Eduarda Custódio, Women's Ministry leader for the Central, Serra, and Northern regions of Rio de Janeiro.

Heart Pillows

The heart-shaped pillows are specially adapted for women undergoing breast cancer treatment. They help relieve post-surgical pain and are placed under the arm for comfort during the recovery process. In addition to the pillows, each patient will also receive a letter written by the event participants themselves.

“It was very beautiful and special to see our girls sewing, putting in the foam, knowing that these hearts will be given to women who are suffering, going through a difficult time. I am sure that this action carried out here at the Rio Fluminense Association (administrative headquarters of the Adventist Church in the region) will help many people to feel a little bit of God's love for them,” said Maria Eduarda.

The challenge of sewing with purpose

Heide Ferreira, a seamstress and pattern maker, was responsible for making the cushions. She shared that the task was an emotional mission.

"It was a shock and a great challenge for me, but when I learned the purpose, it impacted me greatly, so I prayed to the Lord asking for help," she said.

Ferreira added that she lost a close friend to breast cancer.

“My daughter was emotional because we had a friend, her best friend, who didn't have the opportunity to know this heart that could have eased her pain while she was going through breast cancer. It was a challenge and a source of gratitude to know that 700 people could be impacted and that God could work and give them this opportunity for a little comfort," Ferreira said. "We prayed and surrendered to God because we couldn't do it alone, and I praise Him with emotion because God's name is being glorified.”

Faith in action

Cesiane Amaral, a missionary and one of the speakers at the event, reinforced the importance of uniting spirituality and practical action.

“My focus was to bring them the motivation to fulfill their calling, to serve the Lord with wholehearted devotion, compassion, and love that transforms lives. And with that, we show Jesus to people and are transformed to transform others,” she stated.

Amaral also participated in making the cushions during the event.

“It was wonderful. I was delighted with this initiative, making the heart-shaped cushion right there and then to take to these women who are in the hospital; it was very rewarding. I sewed a cushion, and we made a card. It was really great, and seeing the motivation of these women gives an incredible feeling.”

Social relevance

For Ester Leal, Women's Ministry leader for Rio de Janeiro, Espírito Santo, and Minas Gerais, the project demonstrated the Adventist Church's commitment to society.

“My heart rejoiced greatly because it was two days with over a thousand women involved, inspired, and motivated. It's a historic date, which culturally celebrates Women's Day, but we chose to celebrate in a different way: to celebrate God, because we were created and chosen by Him for a purpose, which is to guide people, to help people,” she said.

Leal highlighted that the initiative benefited not only the patients who will receive the pillows, but also the participants themselves.

“An action like this, especially on this day, is of utmost importance. They were part of something much bigger. Here, they built something with their own hands that will benefit people who need the heart pillow. But at the same time that these patients will benefit, they themselves benefited by being part of the process, by dedicating care and effort. We are very happy to be part of this great movement.”

Excited participants

Vânia Silva, a physiotherapist and convention participant, brought other women to the event.

"Last year I participated in the mission, and it was very satisfying, and today I wanted to come and bring other women to be part of this movement as well," she said.

For Silva, the action was a moment of reflection.

“It was really great and, for me, beyond the action itself, it was about stopping and thinking about these women who are facing so many challenges and need encouragement and a gesture of affection, because they go through this process alone. By doing this, we want to bring a little of God's love to them.”

Delivery to the hospital

The 700 pillows made during the event will be officially delivered to the Rio de Janeiro Cancer Hospital in the coming weeks.

“Adventist Women’s Day can’t just be a celebration and a party. We also have a great responsibility towards our friends, towards the people around us. That’s where the Women’s Action comes in,” concluded Maria Eduarda Custódio.

The original article was published on the South American Division Portuguese news site.