I am grateful for the medical and therapeutic staff who are helping me on my journey through illness

Asked by: Jana Kovačič Petrovič   Photo: Nika Judež

Welcome to us, Ms. Ogulin, we are very honored that you have chosen Dolenjske Toplice for treatment. To begin our conversation, I would like to ask you to briefly introduce the activities of the Association of Friends of Youth Ljubljana Moste-Polje to our readers.

ZPM Ljubljana-Moste Polje was founded after the Second World War to improve the lives of children, meet their basic needs, and ensure their right to healthy development, equality, and equal treatment. For more than 70 years, we have been creating programs for children and young people and also entering families through these programs.

When, after Slovenia’s independence, we observed increasing poverty in families and a deepening of inequality among children, especially pupils and students, we designed comprehensive programs for even more direct assistance to children, young people, and families in distress. More and more people turned to us who were already in poverty or were sliding into it. We equipped parents with knowledge and parenting competencies and became an advocate for their problems.

Our organization is divided into three areas; each is a separate entity, but together they cover the entire field of healthy development of children, youth, and families. Programs in the field of humanitarian work are Sponsorship in Slovenia, The Chain of Good People, and the Legal Point Unit. Among the programs in the field of family dynamics and health are the Multigenerational Center Common Point and the program I Am Fine. The last area, the field of leisure activities, includes holiday stays, camps, winter camps, holiday childcare, excursions and trips, and study excursions for teenagers.

We also invited psychologists, psychiatrists, therapists, and other professional workers to cooperate, and they have been effectively helping the most vulnerable all this time. We also introduced a mediation program as a peaceful way of resolving disputes in families, as well as peer mediation, which we expanded in primary schools. This assistance takes place throughout Slovenia.

Your stories of people in need must certainly affect and exhaust you. What do you do in your free time, what gives you back energy?

Walking. Strolling. Reading. Regular activities – household chores and my children and grandchildren, and my Sava, because my home is near this river. For decades I have been leaving problems and burdens in the Sava that I could not share with others. And along the Sava, ideas were born for programs and projects that we then, together with professional collaborators, placed into time and space and thus implement them with dedication and effectiveness.

I naturally need walking and fresh air, because I feel free here.

What gives me the most energy are my loved ones – my family and the people I love. Of course, the most beautiful moments for me are when I can embrace my two beloved grandchildren who live abroad. We are not together often, but we love each other so much that we are constantly in contact.

It is also a beautiful day when users leave us, whom we have helped in a holistic way and equipped with enough knowledge and skills to continue their lives independently and with dignity. It makes me happy when I learn that children we have helped managed to finish school, obtain the desired profession, succeed in various professional and business fields, and create a beautiful family and good relationships. Experiential days are those spent among happy and joyful children in our holiday programs, homes, and daily activities.

And my soul is also filled by wonderful professional collaborators, volunteers, educators, and animators. The ZPM Ljubljana Moste-Polje team is a heartfelt team of good, motivated, responsible people, for which I am constantly grateful and also proud. I believe I will soon physically return among them, not only remotely.

I am aware that I have overdone it with caring for others. That I did not want to listen to the messages of my own body. They were there. At times I really wanted too much. My loved ones often warned me about this – family members, professional colleagues, friends, and acquaintances.

But I am still the same Anita. My personality has not changed because of the illness. However, I have come to the realization that I must take care of myself so that I can continue to take care of everyone else who needs us. In the future, I will especially stand more firmly for things that are important to me and will not give up my principles.

What brought you to rehabilitation specifically in Dolenjske Toplice? Have you been here before?

As a related issue of my oncological illness, I recently had to have my hip replaced. And after the successful operation, the doctor Prof. Dolinar, to whom I am truly deeply grateful for the fast and successful surgical procedure, recommended rehabilitation at Terme Dolenjske Toplice. He said that this spa is considered one of the best rehabilitation centers. And I fully agree with that assessment.

This year’s visit, however, was not the first. We used to come here as a family occasionally when the children were still small. And it was always joyful when I could bring a whole bus of children to your outdoor pool on a one-day humanitarian trip. I am also truly impressed by your well-kept park and the beautiful nature in the surroundings, as well as the walking paths. And because nature is a healer, this is one of the great advantages of Terme Dolenjske Toplice.

How have your health problems affected your daily life before this rehabilitation?

I face challenges every day, as physical pain is constantly present. It is hard to believe how much a person can endure. Despite the many difficulties that make up my daily life, I have not lost hope that I will succeed. I know I will not recover completely, but I would like to stabilize my condition in a way that allows me to continue my known path of life.

Living with cancer is a daily battle. Anyone going through this is, like me, fighting to preserve inner strength and faith – to be able to move into new days that bring their own challenges. This period is therefore filled with great gratitude for life itself, for relatives, friends, and acquaintances. And of course for the medical and therapeutic staff who help you on the journey through the illness.

And this is a path on which you value every little thing and find joy in such simple things, like watching a small snail cross the path and helping it reach the other side unharmed.

After the hip surgery I additionally became ill with various viral infections that completely drained my strength. I was therefore very heavily dependent on the help of my relatives. That is why my condition before arriving at rehabilitation was very, very poor.

Could you please explain how rehabilitation at Terme Dolenjske Toplice takes place and which services or therapies you like the most?

I receive truly comprehensive rehabilitation. Physical, electro-stimulative and pain-relief therapies, massages, medical examinations with repeated blood tests, and the full thermal, nutritional, and accommodation offer. The holistic rehabilitation program is so complete and flawless, with such kind and compassionate professionals, that I am grateful to everyone for everything I was given in Dolenjske Toplice.

You have already completed two weeks of therapy – how are you feeling now?

After almost completing rehabilitation, I can say that I truly feel reborn. The comprehensive care and individualized treatment have significantly improved my physical and mental well-being, strengthened me, and restored my energy, meaning I will be able to return physically to my colleagues and to the stories of our everyday life.

Therefore, let my respect and sincere gratitude be extended to the management and to everyone who cares for our health, well-being, and everything that goes with it in such a wonderful way – professionally, encouragingly, responsibly, openly, kindly, and compassionately. I am truly deeply grateful to the dedicated team of professionals who guided me through the rehabilitation process and empowered me with the tools and support needed to reintegrate into life and volunteer work.

How do you like the other services at Terme Dolenjske Toplice?

First, I must mention the staff, who radiate professionalism, kindness, and warmth. Their dedication is visible in every interaction. They create a pleasant and supportive environment, striving to ensure the comfort and well-being of every individual. Their compassionate approach plays a key role in fostering a positive healing atmosphere, making the center a place of encouragement and hope. I also notice that other guests experience it as I do.

The accommodation is also wonderful, with a spacious, clean room and a tasteful, diverse and truly extensive culinary offer. All aspects exceeded my expectations. I especially enjoyed exploring the beautiful nature around the hotel, with scenic walking paths and immersion in that wonderful forest bathing experience, which filled my soul and body with energy, oxygen, and the colors of the trees.

Did you attend any mindfulness treatments?

I attended two sessions; there was no time for more. Both experiences helped me deal with stress, which is a constant part of my life. I believe the techniques I learned will at least partially help improve my well-being.

Were you able to rest during rehabilitation, or did families still need your help?

The therapies are planned in a way that guests also have time for regeneration. However, I remained in contact with colleagues throughout treatment, and users often called as well. I was particularly moved by the story of a girl who lived alone with her mother, who that week lost her battle with illness. We will of course take care of the orphaned secondary school student. Such a loss leaves consequences and a void in every child that neither support nor time can erase.

Were you recognized and approached by other guests?

Yes, due to my volunteer work I am quite recognizable. This time I had my own room, and because of my illness I also needed to limit contact to avoid worsening my condition. Of course, I still gladly spoke with people who know our efforts and who are also facing illness. We exchanged experiences and offered mutual support.

Do you have a message or advice for others facing such an illness?

Cancer is a serious illness that is still a major taboo. People immediately think of the worst. But I wish everyone would also think about what is essential for anyone who becomes ill – what next? How to continue life? How to move forward into a story that preserves hope that life does not end with illness?

From my experience, I admit that the hardest part was saying what had happened to me. Sharing fear and distress about potentially losing my loved ones and all those I care about. I was afraid of losing the trust that I could continue despite this serious illness.

That is why I believe it is important to speak openly about it. There are many cancer patients. It is crucial they receive honest information about what they will have to give up and what to expect. Treatment success is measured in numbers, but as long as a person is alive, they are not statistics. Each of us must hope and maintain inner strength and faith in continuing life.

Would you recommend Dolenjske Toplice? To whom?

I would first recommend Dolenjske Toplice to anyone who needs professional treatment, help, and support, whether after an injury or illness. Your reputation is more than justified.

I would also recommend it to anyone who wants to maintain and strengthen their health, or who seeks a break in nature, mental and physical balance, peace, and relaxation. To those who want more than just a holiday. Dolenjske Toplice are a natural health reserve, with staff who radiate warmth, respect, professionalism, and dedication.

I would also recommend staying in this oasis of beauty to anyone working in tourism as an example of what is possible, because no one can overlook the fact that behind everything you offer and represent there is also exceptional leadership. And that is worth emulating.

And I also wish that readers would experience at least a week here at Terme Dolenjske Toplice, in this very pleasant, healing, relaxing, and friendly environment with people who truly care about their guests. And that they would be proud that we have such a well-organized spa and tourism destination in our country.