The aim is to increase public awareness about rare diseases and to raise funds to support the program "adopt a rare" 7 Peaks Adopt a Rare
Alpine mountaineering expedition
“Alone I am rare, together we are strong”
July 2022
About Unique Smiles
The Pancyprian Association for Rare Genetic Diseases “Unique Smiles” is a group of people including individuals with rare diseases, parents, friends and he
alth professionals who all share strong concerns about the huge needs that people with rare diseases have to face. Needs, such as, an early diagnosis, expertise, global approach by a group of health professionals, support and information. The ultimate goal is to boost the health centers that already exist in Cyprus to create a center of excellence for rare diseases. The Association is nonprofit and its revenue comes from private sponsorships and events. Sponsors can also provide specific patient needs through the “Adopt a Rare” program. This program covers the needs of a particular patient such as treatments, tuition fees, hospitalisation abroad, etc.
7 Peaks Adopt a Rare
This year two amateur mountaineers on a voluntary basis will be attempting to raise the flag of the Association on 7 Alpine Peaks (all above 4,000m) in just 5 days. The aim is to increase public awareness about rare diseases and to raise funds to support the program “Adopt a Rare”. About the Mission
The Alps are the highest and most extensive mountain range system lying entirely in Europe and stretching approximately 1,200 km (750 miles) across eight Alpine countries. From west to east: France, Switzerland, Monaco, Italy, Liechtestein, Austria, Germany and Slovenia. The team will be flying on the 2nd of July 2022 to Switzerland and travel from there to Zermat village where the expedition will begin. On the 3rd of July, under the guidance of a professional guide, the team will put on their backpacks, their axes and crampons, and head up to the astonishing Alps where their journey will begin. Five days, seven alpine peaks, all above 4,000m. Unique landscapes, a variety of incredible views, and lots of determination, since this is the first time the team is challenged in mountaineering. Meet the Team:
This is an initiative by Chrystalleni Sokratous, who for second time tries to raise awareness for the rare diseases through her mountain adventures. The first one was an alternative route to Everest BaseCamp, where she raised 8000euro mainly from individual sponsors. This year’s team will be Chrystalleni and Antigoni, both novices at mountaineering. They are both busy professionals that struggle to balance work and family, and connected through their need to escape in nature. How to get involved
For companies wishing to donate funds, the following options are available:
Option 1: Donors over 1,000 Euro: Dedicated photos with live social media posts throughout the journey, including the “pre-events” of the expedition, and a flag with their company logo will be raised at all peaks. Option 2: Donors that sponsor a peak or peaks (200 Euro per peak): A flag with their company logo will be raised from their sponsored peak(s)
Option for Individuals to support: Donations are welcome through the donorbox platform https://donorbox.org/7-peaks-adopt-a-rare
