Story

STROKES OF HOPE ACROSS THE SEA

Hi, my name is Keisha Pais and I am 19y old university student living in Dubai. I prepare to stand at the edge of Sardinia’s sun-kissed shores, the stunning blues of the Bonifacio Strait stretching out before me, connecting two countries— Italy and France. In just a few days, I’ll dive into these crystal-clear waters, embarking on a journey not just for myself but for a far greater cause, to support Al Jalila Foundation in helping young cancer patients.

The 16 kilometers / 7 hour expanse of water between Sardinia and Corsica seem daunting, but my mind is set on something deeper than the challenge of the open sea. With every stroke I take through these waters, I’ll be thinking of a child battling cancer, fighting for their life with every ounce of strength they have. These children face an uncertain tide, and I want each movement of my body through the waves to mean something — a stroke of hope, a stroke of strength, a stroke for the chance of a future they deserve.

I don’t know how many strokes it will take to cross from Sardinia to Corsica, but I do know that with each one, I’ll be raising funds and awareness for children who need care, support, and aid. The thought of giving even one child another shot at life is worth far more than the personal achievement of completing this swim.

This journey isn’t about endurance or setting a record. It’s about giving back. It’s about honoring the resilience of these young fighters. Swimming to the best of my abilities in the middle of the sea, I’ll be carrying with me the hope that every stroke across these waters has brought us one step closer to making a real difference in their lives.

Because to me, giving a child the chance to live a full life is a far greater victory than any swim could ever be.

About the Campaign

A child is diagnosed with cancer every 3 minutes around the world.* No parent should ever hear the words ‘your child has cancer’. 

It is heartbreaking to imagine children suffering from cancer. This September, on the occasion of Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, our fundraising campaign is dedicated to helping young cancer patients whose families are unable to afford life-saving treatment.

Advances in research give us hope that cancer can be beaten and at Al Jalila Foundation we support children’s cancer treatment and fund cancer research to get one step closer to a cure. 100% of the proceeds from this campaign will make a difference to children’s lives.

Join us in the fight against childhood cancer. Be their superhero. 

*Source: World Health Organization

updates