The VII Solidarity Challenge 'Memorial Rosa – Friends for Crohn's' will cover 90 kilometres between La Laguna and El Médano on 24 and 25 July to raise awareness of the more than 22,000 people with Inflammatory Bowel Disease in the Canary Islands.
Granadilla de Abona hosted the official presentation of the VII Solidarity Challenge 'Memorial Rosa – Friends for Crohn's' this Thursday, an event that combines sport and solidarity to raise awareness about inflammatory bowel diseases. The initiative, organised by José Francisco Tejera Reyes, will start from La Laguna on Friday 24 July at 22:00 and will arrive at the square in El Médano on Saturday 25 at 12:00, after passing through six municipalities in Tenerife.
A challenge that crosses the island from north to south
The route of 90 kilometres will pass through El Rosario, Candelaria, Güímar, Fasnia, and Arico before culminating in El Médano, on the coast of Granadilla de Abona. The Councillor for Health Promotion, Cande Chinea, highlighted the commitment of the City Council to the cause: "From the City Council, we continue to support actions that contribute to raising awareness of diseases that affect thousands of people and that still need greater social awareness."
Chinea emphasised that sport can be a tool to convey hope and solidarity, and thanked ACCU Canarias for their support to patients and families. The event was also attended by the Councillors for Sports, Fredi Oramas, and for Consumer Affairs, René Oval, who showed their support for the initiative.
More than 22,000 Canarians with Inflammatory Bowel Disease
Noemí Oramas Suárez, a representative of ACCU Canarias, reminded that in the Islands there are more than 22,000 people living with some form of Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD), such as Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, or indeterminate colitis. These chronic conditions, with no definitive cure, can cause symptoms such as persistent diarrhoea, abdominal pain, or fistulas, and in severe cases require surgery.
Oramas thanked José Francisco Tejera for keeping this challenge alive for seven consecutive years, helping to raise awareness and normalise a condition that still carries social stigma. "Each year there are very special moments, such as passing through the cave of Brother Pedro and arriving in El Médano, where the affection of the people makes all the effort worthwhile," confessed Tejera, who will be accompanied by his wife and other participants.
A tribute that transcends sport
The Memorial Rosa – Friends for Crohn's was born in memory of Aunt Rosa, and its aim is to support those living with these digestive diseases. The initiative not only seeks to raise funds but also to create a space for meeting and visibility. Residents of the southern municipalities, especially those from Granadilla de Abona, will be able to join in the arrival at El Médano, where a festive and supportive atmosphere is expected.
For those who wish to collaborate or find out more, ACCU Canarias offers resources on their website www.accucanarias.com. The event, which kicks off on the night of Friday, promises to be an example of how sporting effort can transform into a message of hope for thousands of patients.
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