'I followed her and loved her until the end', says husband of teacher who died after fighting cancer

Teacher shared story before dying in battle with cancer Professor Valéria de Castro Alves, who dedicated more than 20 years to education in Araguaína, in the north of Tocantins, died at the age of 41 after facing lung cancer. After her death, a video of her talking about her dream of seeing her children grow up went viral on social media. Amidst the mourning, the husband, Emersom Castro, recalled the care routine during treatment and said that he remained by his wife's side until the last moments. "I accompanied her and loved her until the end. I spared no effort. I studied the disease, learned about the treatments, took care of her in everything that was necessary. I can only thank God for giving me the privilege of walking alongside her", he said. ? Click here to follow the g1 TO channel on WhatsApp The death was confirmed this Sunday (12). The burial took place on Monday morning (13), at the Jardim das Paineiras Cemetery, in Araguaína. Valéria leaves behind her husband and sons Arthur, aged 9, and Samuel, aged 2. Diagnosis and treatment The diagnosis of lung cancer was received in May 2025, when the disease was in stage four. Exams also identified a rare mutation. According to Emersom, the treatment began with chemotherapy sessions and medications acquired through a fundraising campaign, but Valéria's body stopped responding to the therapy, and the disease progressed. Subsequently, she began immunotherapy treatment and was admitted to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU), in Barretos (SP). "We experienced a miracle during that period. She managed to leave the ICU, start a new treatment and still lived for around eight months with quality of life", he said. SEE ALSO Teacher who was fighting cancer in TO dies at age 41 and story about children moves on social media Sweet, lively and hard-working: who was the teacher who moved the web with her testimony before dying of cancer Groom arrives by canoe for wedding on the banks of a dam in TO and surprises guests Care routine During more than a year of treatment, the husband started to closely monitor appointments, exams and medications. "I knew all the medications, followed the doctors, administered the medications and took care of her daily. In the last few months, I helped with everything, from bathing to getting dressed," he reported. Despite the limitations caused by the disease, Emersom said that Valéria remained calm during the treatment. "She felt pain controlled by medication and had some limitations, like no longer being able to play with our children or carry the youngest on her lap. But she faced everything with a lot of faith." Emersom Castro, recalled his care routine with his wife Reproduction/Personal Archive The dream of seeing her children grow up Months before she died, Valéria published on social media an emotional story about her desire to watch her children grow, a dream that, according to her husband, was what motivated her most during her fight against the disease. "She was in love with our children. Her biggest dream was to see them grow up. We decided to fight together for them and for our love," he said. Emersom also said that he was by his wife's side until her last moments. "She left in peace. I was able to hold her in my arms until her last breath. It was a moment of great love." See more news from the region on g1 Tocantins. Mari Silva is a member of the internship program between the Jaime Câmara Group and the Federal University of Tocantins (UFT), under the supervision of Patrício Reis.