About us

Our Story

Solea was born from the personal experiences of Marie-France Provot and Samy Zayani, who both faced illness and turned it into an opportunity for profound personal transformation.

“I wouldn’t wish illness upon anyone, but I wish everyone inner peace and the grace that can arise from it when the opportunity for transformation is embraced.”

Samy Zayani, co-founder

Discover the five-day experience The therapies offered

A calm natural landscape crossed by soft light

The Foundation

Our vision

We believe that the path toward healing is supported when body, mind and soul regain balance and harmony. Solea supports each person in difficulty, alongside their medical treatment, to help them move toward healing as early as possible.

“Everything is possible, always, however dark your prognosis may seem. Listen to your heart, to your desire to live, and trust in your power to transform everything."

Marie-France Provot, co-founder

Mission

The patient’s well-being at the centre.

Every decision made by Solea is guided by the patient’s well-being.

Break the negative cycle as early as possible
Share knowledge and practical tools
Support physical, emotional and mental well-being
Help patients become active participants in their health again
Temporarily relieve close caregivers

What guides us

Our principles

Money should not be an obstacle

The stay (five days / four nights on site) is fully offered to participants, in a green and peaceful setting.

Knowledge should be shared

Seminars, sharing sessions, and theoretical and practical presentations are offered so participants can quickly acquire useful knowledge.

The key actor is the patient

Each participant is supported and encouraged to take an active role in their health and to build social connections that limit isolation.

The strength of the group

Collective activities are at the heart of our approach, serving connection and well-being.

Six simple markers

Our values

Mutual support & Sharing

Listening & Kindness

Non-judgement

Open-mindedness & Curiosity

Respect

Willpower & Determination

Governance

The Foundation Board

The Foundation Board is Solea’s supreme governing body. It is composed of five members.

It provides the Foundation’s strategic direction, defines its priorities and sets its objectives.

It pays particular attention to maintaining a short-, medium- and long-term balance between the objectives pursued and the means available, and supervises the implementation of its decisions.

It also ensures the sound management of the Foundation and that its activities comply with its public-interest purpose, its governance principles and the commitments made to its partners and donors.

Alexandre Bodmer

Oncologist, Chairman of the Foundation Board

Marie-France Provot-Ivanov

Co-Founder and Vice-Chair of the Foundation Board

Marie-Estelle Gaignard

Oncologist, Researcher, and Specialist in Integrative Oncology

Nicolas Séverin Müller

Treasurer

Kian Rieben

Delegate for Development and Innovation

Management

A Dedicated Team

The Management brings SOLEA’s ambitions to life. It mobilizes the talent, partners and resources needed to build a rigorous and deeply human model of support for people affected by cancer.

Samy Zayani

Co-founder and Director

Claire Ménétrier

Deputy Director, Operations & Development

Two journeys, one shared conviction

The founders’ story

The founders have lived through illness and want to offer people affected by cancer a place where they can be welcomed in their full humanity.

Co-founder

Samy Zayani

I have had the opportunity to hold executive and governance roles (CCO; member of executive committees) in companies with up to 1,000 employees, and I have served on numerous boards of directors around the world.

“Illness became a unique opportunity to transform my relationship with my body, my emotions and my spirituality. I do not wish illness on anyone, but I wish everyone the inner peace and grace that can emerge when the opportunity for transformation is embraced. This is what I wish for those who walk through Solea’s doors.”

From this experience came a strong conviction: it is essential to offer people affected by cancer a place where they can be welcomed in their full humanity.

Co-founder

Marie-France Provot-Ivanov

Trained as a lawyer, I built experience in France and Switzerland. I have worked in both the public and private sectors, developing a broad view of legal issues.

I also worked within renowned institutions, particularly in banking, where I strengthened my expertise in demanding environments.

Cancer disrupted my life, but it also transformed me. It gave new meaning to my life after taking me on a journey of self-discovery. Today, I hope those going through illness can find their own path back to life. Solea is there to guide and accompany them on this path, full of obstacles but also of stars.