Sailing to Promote the Health and Quality of Life of Women Affected by Breast Cancer
Hôpital de La Tour and the association Heureuse qui comme… are forming a partnership for the r’Ose Léman and r’Ose Marines projects, which aim to bring women affected by breast cancer on board for a sailing adventure. The initiative is based on a shared philosophy that views regular physical activity as a key to health, quality of life, and self-confidence, thereby helping women overcome the challenges of cancer and reduce the risk of recurrence. Hôpital de La Tour’s support is provided specifically through sports and health coaching for the r’Ose Marines team members.
Physical activity to stay on course after breast cancer: the shared vision of both partners
As part of the r’Ose Marines project, women affected by breast cancer will set sail for a one-week training session at sea. The goal is to encourage regular physical activity, which is recognized as beneficial for combating the side effects of treatment, reducing the risk of recurrence, and improving the quality of life for patients. This vision aligns with that of Hôpital de La Tour, which systematically integrates physical activity into comprehensive cancer care, particularly through rehabilitation programs and follow-up by the teams at the sports medicine center. It is on the strength of this shared conviction that this partnership was formed, and that Hôpital de La Tour has become the sports and health coach for the r’Ose Marines teams for 2021 and 2022.
Dr. Boris Gojanovic, a sports medicine physician and the project’s lead, confirms: “We are convinced of the essential role that physical and mental health play in the well-being of our patients. Beyond medical care, quality of life depends on self-confidence and confidence in one’s body. Regular physical activity helps develop resilience, cope with life’s unexpected events, and tackle new challenges.”
The crew members of r’Ose Marines, led by a professional skipper, will share daily life aboard the sailboat in a spirit of adventure. Elisabeth Thorens-Gaud, founder and secretary of the association, further emphasizes that “sailing—a team sport based on mutual support—allows the sailors to experience moments of connection and solidarity in an environment that fosters sharing.”
Expertise from the Hôpital de La Tour Sports Medicine Center to Prepare the Sailors
The expertise of the teams at the Hôpital de La Tour Sports Medicine Center will enable the sailors to achieve their goals safely and with health as the top priority.
As part of this coaching program, the crew members receive support in the areas of physical and mental preparation and sports medicine. This includes, in particular, health and performance tests and evaluations, individual consultations with a dietitian specializing in sports nutrition, a group consultation with a psychologist, as well as the development of a personalized training program and medical follow-up through the end of the at-sea training session.
Preparation has already begun for the sailors, who will set sail from Brittany on June 5.
Sports and Health Coach for Two Years
Hôpital de La Tour will support the adventurers of r’Ose Marines during two at-sea training sessions in 2021 and two in 2022.
Press release in PDF