Eyes sparkling with excitement as Léman Hope’s Sailing Trips return

From July 7 to 11 and then from July 14 to 18, 24 young people in remission from cancer set off on Sailing Trip , four-night Sailing Trip on Lake Geneva aboard three sailboats for the second edition of the Chiki Foundation’s Léman Hope project. This shared adventure will be a great source of support as they continue on their journey to recovery. The goal is to double the number of available spots next year.

Smiles, camaraderie, beautiful friendships, and the feeling of having made a fresh start: this was the mix of emotions that marked the arrival of the second Sailing Trip the 2021 Léman Hope event on Sunday, July 18, in Lausanne-Ouchy. In groups of four per boat, children aged 9 to 17 in remission from cancer were able to sail for four days and four nights on Lake Geneva, supervised by sailing and healthcare professionals. In addition to an introduction to sailing, this fun-filled adventure helps them rediscover a sense of carefree joy while supporting them on their journey to recovery.

The young people’s testimonials highlight the real benefits of this kind of experience, where they were able to talk openly and without fear or judgment about what they’ve been through. “Among ourselves, we don’t have to explain exactly what we’ve been through, ” says Emma, 15. “It’s not pity, just understanding.” We can cheer each other up and encourage one another. ” Zoé, 10, echoes her: “It felt good to meet people who’ve been through the same thing as me.” Isabelle, 14, agrees: “We were able to share our feelings without being seen as different because of our illness and learn from each other.” Sailing also played an important role . “I loved that feeling of flying over the water,” Isabelle continues. “I felt free!” Sohail, 14, adds another point: “The Sailing Trip taught Sailing Trip 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 so that it can double the number of spots available on its Sailing Trips , with the goal of welcoming 48 children in 2022. Every year, 250 children in Switzerland are diagnosed with cancer. Each of them deserves a spot on a Sailing Trip hope Sailing Trip .