Physical exercise for children with cancer

Program Overview
At the Aladina Foundation, we are deeply committed to improving the lives of young cancer patients through our comprehensive Physical Exercise Program. Guided by two Ph.D. specialists in Physical Activity and Health, the program delivers personalized exercise sessions in four leading hospitals across Spain: Hospital Niño Jesús, Hospital Gregorio Marañón, Hospital 12 de Octubre in Madrid, and Hospital Virgen de la Arrixaca in Murcia. To reach even more families, online sessions are also available, ensuring accessibility no matter the circumstances.

Impact in 2024
The program’s reach and effectiveness have continued to expand, with clear results:

• 293 young patients supported with tailored exercise sessions.
• 1,621 sessions delivered across hospitals and online.

The outcomes are undeniable: physical activity helps rebuild strength, reduces treatment side effects, and uplifts the spirits of children and adolescents facing cancer.

Key Achievements
Year after year, the program proves its essential role in pediatric oncology care. By offering personalized routines designed for each child’s condition, we’ve supported hundreds of patients on their recovery journeys—helping them regain resilience, rebuild confidence, and rediscover joy even in the midst of treatment.

Looking Ahead
In 2025, the Aladina Foundation will achieve a historic milestone: creating the first-ever gym within a public hospital in Spain exclusively for pediatric cancer patients. This state-of-the-art facility, based at Hospital Virgen de la Arrixaca in Murcia, will include 400 m² of indoor space and a 200 m² outdoor terrace. Overseen by a specialist in Physical Activity and Health—fully funded by Aladina—the gym will offer personalized programs in a safe and inspiring environment. With an estimated budget of €700,000, this project marks a groundbreaking step forward in making exercise a cornerstone of cancer treatment.

Links:

• https://aladina.org/en/emotional-support/