Ideco is partnering with Pequeño Valiente to promote physical activity among children with cancer

Throughout this year, Ideco will collaborate with the Fundación Canaria Pequeño Valiente to improve the quality of life of children with cancer through physical activity. This project, called “Valientes en forma,” will benefit about fifty participants.

Physical activity has become a great ally during cancer treatment. Exercise can be adapted to fit around chemotherapy sessions or days when the patient must remain in bed for long periods, so that the body can prepare for the demands of treatment and better cope with the fatigue and muscle weakness associated with various cancer therapies.

“Valientes en forma” takes place at various locations, such as the University Hospital of the Canary Islands, the Nuestra Señora de la Candelaria University Hospital, and at camps or sports centers for children who have already been discharged, including the Tenerife Santa Cruz Ofra Sports Complex and the Tenerife Athletics Center (CIAT), which is managed by Ideco.

Highlights of the scheduled activities include hiking and biking trails, basketball, tennis, Zumba, equestrian activities, yoga and mindful breathing workshops for parents, multisport activities, multi-game sessions, summer camp, introductory swimming lessons, rock climbing, paddle tennis, and therapeutic swimming, among others.

The Canarian Pequeño Valiente Foundation, recipient of the 2016 Canary Islands Solidarity Award, serves 579 people, including sick children and their families. Providing psychological and educational support, improving healthcare for children, offering housing to families who relocate from other islands, fostering study and research on childhood cancer, and promoting activities outside the hospital to facilitate communication and support among those affected are some of the foundation’s objectives, in addition to raising public awareness about childhood cancer.

*Photo: Fundación Canaria Pequeño Valiente