Antarctica
The coldest and most remote corner of the planet becomes the setting for a sports expedition unprecedented. Defying the icy wind and sub-zero temperatures of Antarctica, a team of five women joins in a wild environment to demonstrate the power of Exercise after cancer, transforming extreme physical effort into a pure message of hope and overcoming.
Pelayo Vida Challenge
A decade of adventures
10th Anniversary Commemorative Book
Ten years, ten expeditions, and hundreds of unforgettable moments. From the summit of Kilimanjaro to the frozen lands of Antarctica, brave women have challenged their own limits and shown that life after cancer can be a grand adventure. This commemorative book captures a decade of challenges, emotions, and unforgettable moments, celebrating their strength, their fight, and their legacy.
A cry of hope at the end of the world.
The tenth edition of the Pelayo Vida Challenge carries to five women what They have overcome cancer to the coldest, driest, and windiest place on the planet. This expedition requires crossing the feared Drake Passage aboard the sailboat El Doblón to reach the white continent, navigating among glaciers and icebergs.
Every journey on the ice is an extreme test of physical and mental endurance. Sports challenge at the end of the world functions as a beacon of hope, making visible the life after cancer and demonstrating that the Overcoming cancer It is possible even in the most adverse conditions.
Paula Gonzalvo
Sports Director
Sailor Paula Gonzalvo leads this challenge, bringing her experience of over 55,000 nautical miles sailed and multiple polar voyages. Her technical knowledge is key to teaching the team how to adapt to sudden weather changes, maintain patience, and make safe decisions at sea.
Their leadership fosters collective trust to discover inner strength in the face of adversity. Paula guides the female explorers to grow personally and collectively in extreme environments, demonstrating the transformative impact of Exercise after cancer.
The Expeditionaries
THE CHALLENGE IN THE MEDIA
On the way to Antarctica: the incredible adventure of five cancer survivors.
The Pelayo Vida Challenge is already in Antarctica: “Very few of us have had the good fortune to be here.”.
The challenge of five cancer survivor women heading to Antarctica.
Ten years celebrating life: a tribute to overcoming adversity and hope, sponsored by Lady Kitty Spencer.
Pelayo Life Antarctica Challenge: Five women and a boat trip that defies limits.
Reto Pelayo Vida: this is the project that will take five cancer survivors to Antarctica.
It has been a unique experience, the journey of the Challenge and reaching Antarctica.
Macarena, a Sevillian selected to sail to Antarctica after overcoming cancer.
An unprecedented expedition for the 10th anniversary of 'Reto Pelayo Vida': Destination Antarctica.
AUDIENCE IMPACTS
media value
PUBLISHED NEWS
Macarena
Antarctica 2024
«At first, I felt fear and frustration; sarcoma has few treatments and is not always diagnosed quickly. This expedition taught me that, even though the disease is rare, attitude and determination make a difference.»
36 years old · Soft tissue sarcoma
Seville · Marketing
Almudena
Antarctica 2024
«From helplessness, I moved to understanding that illness is part of life and a lesson in humility. Only what depends on me is under my control, and this adventure reminded me of the strength we can find within.»
44 years old · Breast cancer · Ávila · Pharmacist
Cross
Antarctica 2024
«In the experience of cancer, you learn that even though it's a hard path, it's transformative. This expedition allowed me to value life and understand that even the negative can become a learning experience.»
53 years old · Breast cancer · Madrid · Technician at the Ombudsman's Office
Martha
Antarctica 2024
«The risk of relapse is always present, but that drives me to live life to the fullest. This challenge represents precisely that: enjoying every moment and sending a message of strength and hope to other women.»
50 years · Breast cancer · Zaragoza · Deputy Director
Patricia
Antarctica 2024
«Facing cancer taught me to cherish every moment. This expedition has been a reminder that even when challenges are great, we can overcome them and live fully, inspiring other women to do the same.»