Physical exercise for children with cancer

Report on the Aladina Foundation’s Physical Exercise Program

Program Description

The Aladina Foundation is committed to improving the quality of life for young cancer patients through its comprehensive Physical Exercise Program. This initiative is meticulously designed and overseen by two Ph.D. experts specializing in Physical Activity and Health. The program operates at four leading hospitals in Spain: Hospital Niño Jesús, Hospital Gregorio Marañón, and Hospital 12 de Octubre in Madrid, as well as Hospital Virgen de la Arrixaca in Murcia. Additionally, the program offers remote, online options to ensure accessibility for patients and their families. Since its inception in 2017, the program has extended its scope through the "Aladina Sports Scholarships," which provide access to specialized activities—including yoga, Pilates, and relaxation sessions—at the Tándem gym for both patients and their caregivers. Furthermore, the Foundation actively contributes to the groundbreaking research project "Physical Exercise During Cancer Treatment in Adolescents," which investigates the role of regular physical activity in enhancing the quality of life and well-being of adolescent cancer patients.

Program Impact

In the past year, the Physical Exercise Program has delivered significant benefits to 109 patients, facilitating a total of 1,621 tailored training sessions. Through the Aladina Sports Scholarships, 22 families were also empowered to engage in customized exercise programs designed to support both physical rehabilitation and emotional well-being. The program’s recent expansion to Hospital Virgen de la Arrixaca and the addition of a new professional to the team have further strengthened its reach and amplified its positive impact within the community.

Results and Achievements

During the reporting period, the program achieved notable milestones:

• Conducted 1,621 specialized training sessions tailored to the needs of pediatric cancer patients.

• Supported 293 patients and 36 families through the Aladina Sports Scholarship initiative.

• Enhanced the physical and emotional health of participants, while offering critical support and respite to caregivers.

These achievements underscore the program’s success in fostering holistic well-being and resilience among young cancer patients and their families.

Future Initiatives

Looking ahead to 2025, the Aladina Foundation is set to embark on an ambitious and transformative project: establishing Spain’s first gym within a public hospital exclusively dedicated to pediatric cancer patients. This state-of-the-art facility, to be located at Hospital Virgen de la Arrixaca in Murcia, will feature 400 m² of indoor space and a 200 m² terrace, offering a secure and inspiring environment for physical rehabilitation and exercise activities. A dedicated professional specializing in Physical Activity and Health, fully funded by Aladina, will oversee the personalized programs. With an estimated project budget of €700,000, this initiative represents a groundbreaking advancement in the integration of physical exercise into pediatric oncology care.

Acknowledgments

The Aladina Foundation extends its deepest gratitude to all donors and partners whose unwavering support has made these accomplishments possible. Your generosity is instrumental in enabling us to make a lasting difference in the lives of children and adolescents confronting cancer. Together, we are creating brighter futures filled with hope and strength.

Links:

• Exercise is a game-changer for pediatric cancer patients

Report on the Aladina Foundation's Physical Exercise Program

Program Description

At the Aladina Foundation, we are dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for young cancer patients through our Physical Exercise Program. This program is meticulously supervised by two Ph.D. specialists in Physical Activity and Health, and is offered at three renowned hospitals in Madrid—Hospital Niño Jesús, Gregorio Marañón, and Hospital 12 de Octubre—as well as at Hospital Virgen de la Arrixaca in Murcia, with additional online options. Since 2017, we have also provided "Aladina Sports Scholarships" at the specialized Tándem gym, benefiting both patients and their caregivers with activities such as yoga, Pilates, and relaxation sessions. Our active participation in the research project "Physical Exercise During Cancer Treatment in Adolescents" aims to evaluate the benefits of regular physical activity on the well-being and quality of life of adolescent cancer patients.

Program Impact

Over the past year, the Physical Exercise Program has benefited 109 patients, with a total of 1,621 training sessions conducted. Furthermore, 22 families received sports scholarships, enabling both patients and caregivers to engage in tailored exercise programs. The recent expansion of the program to Hospital Virgen de la Arrixaca and the addition of a new professional team member have significantly broadened our reach and deepened our impact within the community.

Results and Achievements

We have made remarkable progress in the recent period, successfully conducting 1,621 training sessions and supporting 293 patients and 36 families through our sports scholarship initiative. These efforts have substantially aided participants in improving both their physical and emotional well-being, while providing much-needed support and respite for their caregivers.

Future Initiatives

Looking ahead to 2025, the Aladina Foundation is committed to further promoting physical exercise by establishing the first gym within a public hospital in Spain, dedicated solely to children with cancer. Located in Hospital Virgen de la Arrixaca, Murcia, this pioneering facility will include 400 m² of covered space and a 200 m² terrace, providing a safe and stimulating environment for physical rehabilitation and sports activities. This initiative will also introduce a professional in Physical Activity and Health, fully funded by Aladina, to oversee the personalized exercise programs. With an estimated budget of €700,000, this project is set to transform the landscape of pediatric cancer care in Spain.

Acknowledgments

We extend our heartfelt thanks to all our donors and partners, whose continued generosity has enabled these significant achievements. Your ongoing support is vital in making a profound difference in the lives of many children and adolescents battling cancer.

Links:

• TV Report - National Spanish TV
• Sports & Fun Event - Murcia (fundraising for gym construction)

• MEMORIA_2023_1.pdf (PDF)