Swimming collectively for cystic fibrosis: highlights from Respiralia 2026

Held on the Spanish island of Formentera, the occasion combines sport, solidarity and group spirit. Over two and a half days, members took half in staged open-water swims across the island, supported by a devoted volunteer staff that helped guarantee everybody may take part safely.

More than a sporting problem, Respiralia is a chance for folks to return collectively in assist of youngsters, younger folks and households affected by cystic fibrosis. Each yr, members from a variety of backgrounds contribute their effort, vitality and encouragement to lift consciousness of the situation and the significance of entry to the absolute best care.

This yr’s occasion was significantly memorable for European Lung Foundation (ELF) Director Pippa Powell, who joined the swim for the primary time alongside a whole lot of members supporting Fundación Respiralia:

“What will stay with me most is the extraordinary Fundación Respiralia community. Everyone taking part was there to challenge themselves, but most importantly to support lung health through Fundación Respiralia. Their commitment was truly inspiring.” – Pippa Powell, ELF Director

The occasion additionally highlighted the power and resilience that sit on the coronary heart of the cystic fibrosis group. In its event report, Respiralia mirrored on the numerous private journeys represented amongst members and volunteers, all united by a shared dedication to supporting folks affected by cystic fibrosis. 

ELF Chair Dimitris Kontopidis welcomed the occasion’s position in bringing folks collectively round lung well being and affected person advocacy: 

“As someone living with cystic fibrosis, I understand the day-to-day challenges faced by people with chronic lung conditions, as well as the importance of ensuring equitable access to treatment, support and care. Events like Respiralia help bring communities together while raising awareness of the issues that matter to patients.” – Dimitris Kontopidis, ELF Chair

As ELF Chair, Dimitris is main ELF’s Chair’s Campaign on equitable entry to lung transplantation throughout Europe. The marketing campaign displays each his private expertise of dwelling with cystic fibrosis and his long-standing dedication to bettering remedy entry and lowering well being inequalities for folks with respiratory circumstances. 

Respiralia’s give attention to supporting folks and households affected by cystic fibrosis intently aligns with these goals, highlighting the significance of group assist, affected person advocacy and entry to the care folks want all through their lives. 

Respiralia 2026 demonstrated the ability of group motion, volunteering and affected person advocacy to make a distinction for folks dwelling with cystic fibrosis. ELF is proud to assist initiatives that deliver folks collectively to lift consciousness, share experiences and champion higher lung well being throughout Europe.

 

Thank you to our supporters

ELF wish to thank everybody who donated to Pippa’s swim fundraising challenge and the ELF Chair’s Campaign 2023-2026 marketing campaign. Every contribution, message of encouragement and act of assist helped elevate consciousness of cystic fibrosis and strengthen efforts to enhance lung well being and assist folks dwelling with lung circumstances throughout Europe. 

 

Find out extra

Learn extra about cystic fibrosis: https://europeanlung.org/en/information-hub/lung-conditions/cystic-fibrosis/ 

 

Photo – Credit Respiralia