Silvia Abravanel shares how cannabidiol helped her daughter cope with a rare disease

During a month when so many mothers are celebrated for their strength, Silvia Abravanel moved many by revealing an intimate and powerful part of her journey: the fight for the health of her eldest daughter, Luana, diagnosed with galactosemia as a baby.

In an interview on the Sensacional program, the presenter shared how cannabidiol became an important ally in the young woman's treatment, and how, after years of uncertainties, she could finally see her daughter more communicative, present, and happy. "She has been taking cannabidiol for three years. She is doing very well, she is more talkative," Silvia said with a touched smile and the look of someone who closely follows each small victory.

Galactosemia: what is this rare condition?

Galactosemia is an inherited metabolic disease that prevents the body from properly processing galactose, a type of sugar found in milk and its derivatives.

In other words, it's as if the body couldn't "break down" this sugar to turn it into energy. The result is the accumulation of galactose in the blood, which can affect organs such as the liver, kidneys, and even the brain.

According to the Brazilian Society of Neonatal Screening, the first signs of the disease appear in the early days of life, with symptoms such as jaundice, vomiting, diarrhea, and difficulty gaining weight. Although rare, the condition can be detected early through expanded newborn screening, an exam still not widely available in the public health system.

Silvia painfully recalled the moment she received Luana's diagnosis, now 27 years old. A young mother for the first time, she heard something from a renowned doctor at a renowned hospital that still echoes. "I was a first-time mother and a renowned doctor from a renowned hospital came and said to me: 'My time with your daughter is over, we don't want to take care of her anymore.' It opened a hole under my feet," remembered Silvio Santos' second daughter.
The episode marked not only the beginning of a long journey but also the urgency of talking more about rare diseases and supporting families.

The role of cannabidiol in quality of life

Over the years, Silvia sought ways to provide more comfort and autonomy to her daughter. That's how she came to know cannabidiol, a substance derived from cannabis that has been studied for its potential therapeutic effects in various neurological and metabolic conditions.

Although CBD does not represent a cure for galactosemia, clinical and family reports indicate significant improvements in aspects such as mood, cognition, and communication. And in Luana's case, the benefits have been visible. "She is more communicative, more present in daily life. It is a change that fills my heart with hope," said Silvia.
Restricted diet and daily attention

In addition to treatment, dietary care is one of the most delicate aspects of the routine for those living with galactosemia. Galactose is not only present in milk but can also appear "hidden" in fruits, vegetables, and processed products. Therefore, nutritional monitoring is essential.
Information saves lives

By sharing her experience, Silvia Abravanel reinforces the importance of information, early diagnosis, and, above all, support. Her story is also a reminder: no one should face a rare condition alone. Family support, access to personalized medicine, and the use of therapeutic alternatives like medical cannabis can change trajectories.