Diagnosed with a rare disease, Ítalo Cantanhede faced transplant, isolation, and infections before securing three acceptances at public universities
Ítalo Cantanhede Rodrigues, 17 years old, took the Enem exam inside a hospital and secured spots in Medicine at three public universities.
The young man from Pará was accepted at the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Federal University of Pará, and State University of Pará.
After receiving the results, Ítalo chose to study Medicine at Uepa. Admission to the university is scheduled for the second semester of 2026.
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The achievement occurred during treatment for a rare and serious disease. During this period, the student faced hospitalizations, chemotherapy, isolation, and infectious complications.
Diagnosis changed the student’s routine in May 2025
Ítalo was studying at the Military School of Belém when he discovered severe aplastic anemia, in May 2025.
The disease prevents the bone marrow from adequately producing the blood cells responsible for maintaining the body.
According to Wagner Cantanhede, the student’s father, the absence of treatment can leave the patient vulnerable to severe infections, hemorrhages, and deep anemia.
Faced with the diagnosis, the family sought treatment at a hospital in São Paulo. From that moment on, the young man’s routine changed completely.
Ítalo had to adapt his studies to hospitalizations and the limitations caused by the disease. Additionally, he remained distant from friends and family.
Even so, the student continued reviewing the content when his health allowed.
Younger sister made the bone marrow transplant possible
The treatment indicated for Ítalo was a bone marrow transplant. The student’s younger sister was 100% compatible.
Before the procedure, the young man underwent chemotherapy sessions. Subsequently, he faced periods of isolation and various infectious complications.
After the transplant, Ítalo’s immunity was extremely low. Therefore, the student needed intensive care and had to limit contact with other people.
The young man also faced opportunistic infections during recovery. At the same time, he constantly worried about his health, studies, and his own future.
“One of the main challenges of this journey was adapting to life in the hospital,” said Ítalo.
Family turned to the Court to ensure the Enem in the hospital
Although his immunity was compromised, Ítalo did not give up on participating in the Enem.
However, the student was not able to attend the originally designated location for the exam.
Faced with this situation, the family turned to the Court. The goal was to ensure that Ítalo could take the exam inside the hospital in São Paulo.
The court decision authorized the exam to be administered in the hospital environment, according to the necessary medical protocols.
During the months of treatment, Ítalo studied whenever he could. According to the young man, faith and family unity supported his preparation.
The effort resulted in acceptances in Medicine at UFRJ, UFPA, and Uepa.
For Wagner Cantanhede, the achievement showed that the illness did not determine his son’s future.
Experience as a patient influenced the choice for Medicine
The time spent in the hospital also helped Ítalo define how he intends to practice the profession.
“On the patient’s side, I was able to learn many things about how to act in this profession and how I want to be,” declared the student.
Ítalo intends to dedicate himself to the course and, in the future, care for people facing situations similar to what he experienced.
Now, the young man will continue the treatment. Afterwards, he plans to return to Belém, reunite with family and friends, and start the chosen degree.
For Ítalo, the whole experience reinforced the importance of valuing life, family, and friends.
In your opinion, does Ítalo’s journey show how perseverance and family support can make a difference during such difficult times?
