The president of the Cabildo of Lanzarote, Oswaldo Betancort, and the councilor of Social Welfare and Inclusion, Marci Acuña, visited this Wednesday the summer camp organized by the charity association Ya era hora for onco-hematological minors and with diabetes, an experience that takes place in the Sand Beach complex of Costa Teguise and that has, one more year, with the collaboration of the Insular Institution and the La Caixa Foundation.
For twelve days, from July 1 to 12, a total of 48 boys and girls from all over the archipelago and other parts of Spain, accompanied by 15 monitors and health personnel, participate in this activity that combines sports, leisure, laughter and coexistence as fundamental elements to improve mood, strengthen defenses and generate positive experiences that are also part of their therapeutic process.
In his visit, Oswaldo Betancort expressed his gratitude to the association for turning Lanzarote into a meeting, care and joy space for children who have experienced difficult situations. "This camp is an example of humanity and hope, and from the Cabildo we will continue to be by their side every summer," said Betancort.
Councilor Marci Acuña, for his part, valued the work done by the volunteer team: "What happens here is much more than a recreational activity; it is a life project, full of empathy, generosity and commitment. We are excited to see how those who were once patients now return illusion to other children from their experience."
'It was about time'
The association Ya era hora, is formed by volunteers who were once onco-hematological patients and who today dedicate their free time to accompany and entertain children and young people of the Materno Infantil Hospital of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, as well as to morally support their families. Its motto, "laughter as medicine", summarizes the approach of a work that extends throughout the year in hospitals and homes.
The president of the association, Marcos Ruiz, thanked "the continued support of the Cabildo of Lanzarote, thanks to which we can bring this camp back to the island and offer our boys and girls the opportunity to live a few days of fun, companionship and many smiles."
Its most anticipated activity is precisely this annual camp, an experience that not only allows children to enjoy and disconnect from the hospital environment, but also to share experiences with other colleagues and, in many cases, with their siblings, who also need emotional support.
