Stars in their eyes as they return from Léman Hope's Segeltörns

From July 7 to 11 and again from July 14 to 18, 24 young people in remission from cancer set off on a 4-day, 4-night cruise on Lake Geneva aboard three sailing boats for the 2nd edition of the Chiki Foundation's Léman hope project. This human adventure will help them on the road to recovery. The aim is to double the number of places available next year.

Smiles, complicity, beautiful friendships and the impression of having made a new start: this was the cocktail of emotions that marked the arrival of the 2nd cruise of the 2021 edition of Léman hope, on Sunday July 18 at Lausanne-Ouchy. In groups of four per boat, children aged 9 to 17 in remission from cancer were able to sail 4 days and 4 nights on Lake Geneva, supervised by sailing and healthcare professionals. In addition to giving them an introduction to sailing, this fun adventure gave them a chance to rediscover their carefree spirit, while helping them to move forward on the road to recovery.

The young people's testimonies highlight the real benefits of such an experience, where they were able to discuss their ordeal without fear or judgment. We don't have to explain to each other exactly what we've been through," says Emma, 15. "It's not pity, just understanding. We can cheer each other up and encourage each other." Zoé, aged 10, echoes her sentiments: "It did me good to meet people who have been through the same thing as me." Isabelle, 14, joins them: "We were able to share our feelings without being seen as different because of the disease, and learn from each other." Sailing also played an important role. I loved the feeling of flying above the water," says Isabelle. I felt so free! Sohail, 14, points out another point: "Cruising taught me to overcome my fear."

On the parents' side, the observation is equally valuable, as it is for the mother of 10-year-old Eléa. "When we got back, she had more than stars in her eyes and heart - she had the whole galaxy! It was the very first time we'd left our daughter behind. Seeing her take flight again without us is a huge step towards life, it's extraordinary and very moving for us", she confides.

For Priscille Varillon de Macias, director of the Léman hope project, all these testimonials sound like so much encouragement to make the project grow. "The smiles on these young people's faces convey a deep sense of happiness. The very special friendships forged in just a few days make up for all those moments of embarrassment they feel every day when the subject of their illness comes up. All the seeds sown during these timeless moments of well-being will make their way to blossom one day."

In this context, Léman hope hopes to convince even more donors to support this project in order to double the number of places available on its Segeltörns next Segeltörns and welcome 48 children in 2022. Every year, 250 children are diagnosed with cancer in Switzerland. Each of them deserves a place on a Léman hope cruise.