Inés Gasén was diagnosed with breast cancer during her pregnancy – not only naturally provoking fear and uncertainty for her and her family, but also raising many questions and doubts concerning the health and the future ahead for her baby. Triggering a call to action in her mother in-law, Elaine, and driven by the need to bring a positive out of the then challenging times, she decided to organize a 7,5 km sponsored walk along Zaragoza´s canal to raise funds to support breast cancer research at VHIO.
Rallying support among their family and circle of friends and acquaintances, Elaine and her two daughters Pili and Susan, and Inés, founded El Paseíco de la Mama in 2011 with the inaugural walk which took place in June that year. Spurred by the tremendous success and interest generated by the previous three annual ´canal crusades´, a total of 181 walkers completed this year´s route on 30 June. In addition to the spirited and determined supporters, with several new faces for 2014, Cristina Saura, Medical Oncologist, VHIO´s Breast Cancer & Melanoma Group, once again joined the walk this year.
On behalf of El Paseíco de la Mama, we are delighted to report that this annual fundraiser continued the trend of far-surpassing targets. In recognition and celebration of such an achievement, a check of over 32.000 EUR was presented to Cristina Saura who received the donation today on behalf of VHIO. The 4 Paseíco walks have collectively raised over 85.000 EUR to support breast cancer research at VHIO.
In the name of investigation aimed at improved treatment, care and outcomes for breast cancer patients, we thank the tremendous dedication, determination and drive of the founders, supporters, walkers and friends of El Paseíco de la Mama.
For more information about El Paseíco de la Mama and research at VHIO please contact Amanda Wren, Communication Manager, directly via email: awren@vhio.net.
