Carrera por la Vida Awards Celebrate 20 Years of Breast Cancer Support in Canary Islands

The Adeje auditorium was a sea of pink yesterday at an emotional gala celebrating commitment and memories. The Carrera por la Vida Canarian Foundation held its third annual awards, honoring people and organizations that go above and beyond in supporting those affected by breast cancer. This year was especially significant, marking 20 years since a group of women, led by Brigitte Gypen, first walked together to demand more support, public funding, and rights.

Hosted by journalist Yaiza Díaz, the gala began with a stark reminder: 1,700 new breast cancer cases are diagnosed each year in the Canary Islands. The Foundation stressed the urgent need for better early detection and comprehensive patient care. The 2025 Carrera por la Vida Foundation Award for Social Action went to the Spanish Association Against Cancer of Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Ámate. Its president, María del Carmen Bonfante, remembered their early days with Gypen, saying, "We always knew she would do something big."

CaixaBank and the La Caixa Foundation received the Corporate Social Responsibility Award for their consistent support of women affected by breast cancer. DIARIO DE AVISOS was also recognized for its commitment to giving a voice to those affected through its foundation. "It's our duty to society to amplify these stories," said Priscila González, the project director.

The sports world was represented by Pedaleando por la Vida, a non-competitive cycling event in Guía de Isora, which received the Foundation Award for Sports. The Carrera por la Vida Foundation highlighted the progress of its programs, including the Therapeutic Bra project, which has helped 286 women post-surgery; Sala Rosa, a training and meeting space; and Impulso Rosa, which promotes adapted physical activity.

The second round of Becas Rosas, scholarships for training specialists in cancer care, was also announced. Currently, fourteen professionals, including psycho-oncologists, physiotherapists, and nutritionists, are receiving training through this initiative.

In healthcare, Dr. Isabel Rubio Rodríguez, director of the Breast Pathology Unit of the Clínica Universidad de Navarra, received the Award for Medical Excellence. In her speech, Rubio emphasized a crucial point: "Without research, we will never find a cure."

Brigitte Gypen, president of the Foundation, spoke with heartfelt emotion, reflecting on the remarkable growth of the "pink movement." "It's impossible to fully express my gratitude for so many acts of generosity. I'm left with images, words, and people that make me believe in love and humanity," she said to a round of applause.