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
Strokes of hope across the sea – A reflection on the swim
The Bonifacio Strait seemed endless before the swim. But now, I’ve made it — 15 km through the sea, one stroke at a time, every movement carrying with it the weight of the children I swam for.
The weather dictated a change in plans, forcing us to swim from Corsica instead of Sardinia, but that didn’t change the purpose.
As I emerged on the other side, on the shores of Sardinia, a wave of exhaustion washed over me — but so did a deep sense of fulfilment.
There were two swimmers who stuck by my side as we pushed forward together through the waves. Just the rhythm of our strokes and the occasional glance to check in with each other provided the kind of solidarity. During difficult moments, that bond made all the difference. The sea may have been rough, but together we were stronger than any wave. The sense of camaraderie became the heart of the swim.
There were moments when nausea took over, but even through the discomfort, I did not lose sight of the goal and the task that I had set out to do.
I will carry the memory of this swim with me forever, not because of the physical challenge, but because of the purpose behind it.
Each stroke through those waters was for a child fighting for a chance at life, and that is the victory that matters most.
To everyone who has contributed to this journey, I want to extend my deepest gratitude. Your generosity and support mean the world, not only to me but especially to the children whose lives you're helping to change.
But this journey isn’t over yet. There’s still so much more we can do. If you haven’t had the chance to contribute yet, I invite you to join us in making a real difference. Every bit helps — no contribution is too small when it comes to giving a child a fighting chance at life. Let’s keep the momentum going and ensure that these children know they’re not alone in their battle.
Together, we can continue turning every stroke into hope.
Thank you for being part of this mission!
Keisha Pais
70 days left
Give a Smile.
Bravo Keisha! You are a true inspiration! Keep it up as the world needs more young people like you!
Awesome... I am proud to call you my sister. You are a role model to all of us. Congratulations on crossing the Bonifacio Strait.
Hi Keisha, I am happy to support your charity activity. from Pradip BhaumikUncle
Keisha you make us proud. Fair winds in your journey
Congrats Super Girl
Great Initiative! All the best & God Bless you
All the best Keisha for your wonderful initiative, God bless ! Fred, Anne and Megan
Great cause.
Good Luck
I am very happy to support this cause. Wishing us all the best in achieving our goal.
Keep Swimming. Wishes for the good cause
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