Bells for Health: 12 inspirational testimonials
Objective
Changing the public perception of cancer through designing and ideating the Bells for Health campaign, coordinating the event, managing testimonials of overcoming the disease, media relations, and preparing communication materials.
Solution
Músicos por la Salud launched this project, proposing to install “Bells for Health” for free in oncology departments that request them. These bells are to be rung by individuals who have completed their treatment and wish to do so.
Fundación LLYC organized a presentation event at Espacio Mood on December 28th, on the Day of the Holy Innocents, to promote the initiative. The idea was to “bring forward” the iconic New Year’s Eve bells to December 28th. But this time, the twelve chimes were accompanied by twelve moving, inspiring testimonials from cancer survivors who had completed their treatments.
A pre-campaign on social media helped spread the word. With the collaboration of notable artists such as Maldita Nerea, David Otero, Presuntos Implicados, Tony Aguilar, Mario Picazo, Lluvia Rojo, and Enrique Villén, we generated anticipation with a countdown to the “bells.”
Following the event, each influencer posted a video highlighting Músicos por la Salud’s initiative.
Over 100 people from the public administration, hospitals, patient associations, NGOs, and organizations related to cancer research attended the event hosted by Teresa Viejo. Attendees also heard from 12 survivors sharing their experiences from an optimistic, motivational, and inspiring perspective. Leading experts, including María Herrera, head of the breast service at the Hospital Clínico San Carlos; Cristina Beléndez, pediatric oncologist at Gregorio Marañón; and Manuela Martínez, Professor of Psychobiology and director of the Master’s in Neurohappiness, also contributed to the event.
During the event, the attendees joined in singing “Ganas de Vivir,” or “Desire to live,” a song composed for the initiative by Canciona, with inspiring lyrics like “It’s not madness to dream of a cure” and “We’re many, we’re growing, together we’ll overcome, and you’ll sing too.”
Impact
More than 100 attendees gathered at the event, which was hosted by UNICEF goodwill ambassador and journalist Teresa Viejo. The event featured 12 inspiring testimonials from cancer survivors, highlighting their resilience and strength. Additionally, seven influencers, including Toni Aguilar, David Otero, Maldita Nerea, Presuntos Implicados, Mario Picazo, and Lluvia Rojo, collaborated on social media to promote the initiative, successfully making the hashtag #DaLaCampanada, or #RingtheBell, trend on the day of the event. To further uplift the cause, Canciona composed the song “Ganas de Vivir,” “Desire to Live,” as the anthem for the initiative. At the same time, the Músicos por la Salud conversation garnered 690 social media hits, reaching over 70,000 users.
While getting the drip, I liked to look out the window at a nearby train station, imagining stories about the people in the cars. Today, I can say I caught a train of hope. Anyone can see life from a train or a hospital. If you’re lucky enough to see life from the train, don’t pull the curtain because there might be someone who needs your help.
