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About us
A place to recentre, breathe and rebuild
Solea was born from a simple conviction: medical treatments are essential, but they cannot fully answer the emotional, mental and existential distress experienced by patients.
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.
“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.”
“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.”
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
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Knowledge should be shared
Seminars, sharing sessions, and theoretical and practical presentations are offered so participants can quickly acquire useful knowledge.
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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.
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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
Multidisciplinary committee
A committee of physicians, therapists and experts
“Solea embodies the meeting of conventional and complementary medicine, serving an in-depth integrative approach.”
Marie-Estelle Gaignard
Scientific Fellow in Medical Oncology, MD-PhD candidate
“By combining the latest advances in oncology with appropriate complementary therapies, we support a genuine healing process.”
Marie-Laure Amram
Medical Director, Centre d’Oncologie Onex
“Solea will offer patients a unique setting, attentive listening and access to essential knowledge.”
Frédéric Ris
Professor of Surgery, Deputy Director of the HUG Cancer Centre
“A suitable environment and a committed team: this is what makes it possible to care for a person as a whole, not only for an illness.”
M. Laura Nasi
MD, Integrative & Lifestyle Oncology, Mind-Body Medicine
“I look forward to future collaborations between Solea and the Cancer League, convinced that patients will be the first to benefit.”
Sabra Kigouk
Geneva Cancer League, specialist nurse and family mediator
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.
If you would like to learn more about my journey, here is the book I wrote for my daughter, Alice.
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.
If you enjoy reading, perhaps my book will give you the strength to believe that you can turn the situation around. Always keep faith in yourself; the impossible does not exist.