Kilimanjaro
The first Pelayo Vida Challenge expedition takes five cancer survivors to ascend Kilimanjaro, the Roof of Africa. A sporting expedition through forests, deserts, and glaciers to Uhuru Peak that marked the beginning of a story of overcoming adversity.
Getting to the top was important. But more important was discovering they could do it.
Climbing to the highest summit in Africa is the most intense way to live the continent's legend. In this first edition of the Pelayo Vida Challenge, Five cancer survivors face Kilimanjaro sports expedition, challenging the 19,341 feet of altitude and the extreme demands of the mountain.
The journey traverses jungles, alpine deserts, and ancient glaciers, in an environment where every meter gained demands physical endurance and mental fortitude. Under the watchful eyes of the Chagga tribe and with the Great Rift Valley as a backdrop, each step towards the summit symbolizes the transformation of effort into life.
Ismael Santos
Sports Director
Ismael Santos, former Real Madrid player, combines the discipline of elite sports with years of experience in international expeditions and climbs. His vision of the mountain turns each stage into an exercise of trust, effort, and personal growth.
The Expeditionaries
THE CHALLENGE IN THE MEDIA
#RETOPELAYOVIDA The five female explorers achieved their goal
Climb Kilimanjaro to show the world that cancer can be overcome
Fighting breast cancer at over 5,000 meters
To Kilimanjaro, against cancer
AUDIENCE IMPACTS
media value
PUBLISHED NEWS
Eva
Kilimanjaro 2015
«Medicine heals our bodies, but what about the wounds of the soul? I learned that taking care of my mind and emotions was just as important as physical treatment..«
50 years · Breast cancer
Madrid · Sales Assistant
rose
Kilimanjaro 2015
«The preparation and strength needed to climb great mountains are very similar to those required to face an illness. Cancer taught me to manage my mind as much as my body.«
55 years old · Breast cancer
Asturias · Climber
Carmen
Kilimanjaro 2015
«Sports played an essential role in my day-to-day life. My experience with sports helped me a lot to face the treatment and stay strong.«
48 years · Melanoma
Valencia · Notary
Mary
Kilimanjaro 2015
«The weekend before the operation I was in the mountains and I promised myself I would be there again. Every day since then has been a step towards my recovery.«
40 years old · Breast cancer
Huesca · Housewife
Araceli
Polar 2017
«Every day after the surgery, I lived it as one day closer to returning to my life. Clinging to positive thoughts became my strength to overcome the illness.«