With Strokes Against Fear: Cardiologist Crosses the Sea from Menorca to Mallorca

13.5 Hours in the Water, a Clear Goal

Early in the morning, as the sun was still pale over Menorca, a 52-year-old cardiologist from Manacor entered the water and set course for Mallorca. Without fanfare, but with a clear mission: hope and visibility for people with cancer.

From island to island — not alone

The distance was long, the sea volatile. About 35 kilometers he covered, accompanied by a small support boat with rescue team, water bottles and a handful of friends. In the meantime he wrestled with waves, salt in the eyes and these almost philosophical hours alone with the rhythm of his breathing. Around 8:00 p.m. he was greeted in Cala Mesquida — not with speeches, but with bagpipe melodies and a handful of neighbors applauding him. You don't forget something like that.

The man is not a professional swimmer, but a cardiologist. He has survived his own cancer diagnosis, so he knows what he is talking about when he says: "After such a diagnosis, what matters changes." This conviction drove him, and it was clearly felt in every stroke he took.

Why all this?

It wasn't about records. It was about signs. About the message: illness is not a dead end. About awareness for prevention, support and research. On site the small crew collected donations for a local self-help group — not a big gala, more of a hands-on approach: boat, nets for drinking bottles, home-baked cookies for helpers.

A neighbor dryly commented: "He swims better than some drivers drive." Laughter, then serious looks. The mix hits: respect, wonder, a bit of pride.

A moment, many stories

In the coming days the campaign will spur conversations — in clinics, cafes and along the seafront. For the cardiologist the goal is reached when someone, after looking at one of his pictures, comes into the waiting room and says: "Maybe I should get checked."

Such gestures don't need the limelight. They need witnesses.

Facts at a glance: Age of the swimmer: 52 years. Duration: 13 hours 30 minutes. Start: Menorca (early morning). Destination: Cala Mesquida, Mallorca (evening reception with bagpipers). Accompaniment: small rescue team and friends. Purpose: awareness, courage, fundraising for local initiatives.