Bora-Bora (France) (AFP)
Born with cystic fibrosis, grafted from the lungs at the age of seventeen, diabetic, Alexandra Caldas rode 43.5 kilometers in the Pacific Ocean, between the Polynesian islands of Taha'a and Bora Bora.
For social security, this young Parisian 23 years old and 43 pounds is 80% disabled because of cystic fibrosis. Despite a life spent largely in the hospital, Alexandra Caldas, who had only 17 years of life expectancy at birth, has always refused this status.
Its sporting challenges are a fight against the disease, but also a way of shining the spotlight on cystic fibrosis and organ transplantation. Transplants from deceased donors often still face the refusal of the families of the deceased, for lack of knowledge of his wishes.
"A life can save seven: giving an organ is giving hope, give the opportunity to play sports and live, simply," said the young woman AFP.
Her lung transplant changed her life: at 17, with 13% of breathing capacity, she was only a few steps away from being out of breath. On Saturday, with her team of rowing rowers from Polynesia, she produced five hours of effort in the lagoon and on the high seas, despite breathing difficulties, back pain, and diabetes.
His challenge has resulted in kidney failure patients who could benefit from a kidney transplant, such as Henbuiss Taruoura, who had been on dialysis every other day for 18 years. "I did not have the mind to play sports, and thanks to Alexandra, I got over it: it's her challenge that motivated me and for six months I've been doing it every day" explains this Polynesian to AFP.
Several va'a, the Polynesian outrigger canoes, rowed alongside Alexandra.
The course was not chosen at random: Taha'a? Bora Bora is the last leg of Hawaiki Nui's prestigious Polynesian canoe race.
On arrival at Matira Beach in Bora Bora, one of the most beautiful in the world, a hundred people cheered the one who won the respect of the Tahitian champions, aito, and a Tahitian dance group gave her a show.
© 2019 AFP