WeCanDays 2024

Network meetings for survivors are important because they allow those affected to learn about important topics, exchange ideas and engage in creative and sporting activities. The WeCanDays offered by Childhood Cancer Switzerland help to reduce the social isolation that some survivors experience after treatment. In addition to providing social and emotional support, these getaways also aim to provide information about the long-term effects of cancer treatment, improve quality of life, build networks and awareness, and celebrate successes. They boost self-confidence and help improve quality of life. Since 2023, Childhood Cancer Switzerland has been organising bilingual WeCanDays in German and French to make the programme accessible to as many survivors as possible.

This year, despite rather gloomy weather forecasts, 24 survivors from German-speaking and French-speaking Switzerland ventured to Lenk in the Bernese Oberland. The atmosphere was relaxed and the weekend offered plenty of space and time for conversation. As always, there was a creative workshop in which real masterpieces were created under professional guidance. Due to heavy rain, the planned mountain hike with panoramic views had to be replaced at short notice by a walk down into the valley to the Lenk market, supplemented by an entertaining fitness session in the swimming pool. Another highlight of the day was a visit to a nearby riding hall, where the horses were at least as delighted to see the visitors as some of the Survivors were.

A big thank you goes to all the participants, the organising committee and all the donors who made this weekend possible in the first place — especially our member organisation, the Foundation for Children with Cancer, Regio Basiliensis, for its many years of loyal support for WeCanDays.