Abstract
This paper analyzed the process by which children who were hospitalized with cancer underwent painful procedures
with a focus on the remark "GAMBARE" ("Hold on!"). This study approached to "GAMBARE" from a "here and
now" perspective, whereas previous studies tended to generalize and overlook individual experiences. I found that the
medical staffs used the word in almost all the situations; while the parents said it to their children once the procedure
started, although they were usually told they could not say so. However children suffering from the same disease
rarely used the word to each other. Although the pain felt by a child is a private matter, people around him/her cannot
be indifferent and become involved in it. I discuss these findings in relation to the following points: 1) to hold on or
to accept a painful future, 2) to be negative about a medical procedure or to understand a disease, 3) taking a "here and
now" or future perspective to pain.
