Marinada is a self-help group for women affected by breast cancer. Founded in 2005, the group has maintained a strong presence in Vilanova i la Geltrú. It offers emotional and practical support to women across the region.
This year, the group launched the #reptemarinadavng2025, a challenge with a clear goal: to raise funds in support of breast cancer research led by the Breast Cancer Group at the Vall d’Hebron Institute of Oncology (VHIO).
Marinada’s mission is to create supportive spaces through workshops, talks, a wig service, and other activities. This will help women regain their physical and emotional wellbeing after breast cancer. All these initiatives share one common purpose — to build a close and caring solidarity network among women who have faced the disease.
As a member of FECMA (the Spanish Federation of Breast Cancer) and FACATMA (the Federation of Breast Cancer Associations of Catalonia), Marinada also participates in training sessions at the Menéndez Pelayo International University (UIMP) and collaborates regularly with other Catalan associations.
Since 2025, the group has organised several fundraising activities aiming to collect €5,000 for breast cancer research — including an event on 8 March, a rose stall on 23 April, and an information stand on 5 October during the Arts i Natura Festival in Vilanova i la Geltrú.
On 19 October, to mark World Breast Cancer Day, Marinada held a solidarity walk through Vilanova i la Geltrú. This brought together hundreds of participants. Open to everyone, the event received strong support from the local community. It has already become a city tradition.
Carmen Miró a Marinada member, shared:
“We are deeply grateful to everyone who joined us today and contributed to breast cancer research. Marinada Association members have experienced cancer closely, whether personally or through loved ones. With this year’s challenge, we hope to drive more research so that women facing breast cancer can access better treatments.”
THE ANNUAL CHALLENGE: DRIVING RESEARCH INTO LIQUID BIOPSY
This year’s Marinada Annual Challenge supports breast cancer research at VHIO. It focuses on the study of liquid biopsy as a technique for early detection of the disease.
Liquid biopsy allows cancer to be detected minimally and enables real-time monitoring of disease evolution in patients. In some cases, it can complement traditional biopsy in identifying genetic alterations within tumours.
Marinada believes in the importance of advancing this technique and ensuring it can benefit more patients living with breast cancer.
Early detection is vital to improving survival rates and quality of life. It also helps doctors assess treatment effectiveness faster and refine the therapies best suited to each patient.
Looking ahead, Marinada prepares three upcoming fundraising events:
- A solidarity stall at Vilanova i la Geltrú’s November Fair
- A cake sale at the British College of Gavà
- A “Varietés” charity performance in Vilanova i la Geltrú
The full activities programme can be found here.
From the Vall d’Hebron Institute of Oncology (VHIO), and especially from the Breast Cancer Group, we warmly thank all Marinada members for their generosity, dedication, and ongoing commitment to research.
Thank you for helping us advance breast cancer research at VHIO!
