Adventure in the Moroccan Desert
In a remarkable fusion of adventure and advocacy, the Degy sisters, Kristina and Elise, embarked on a journey known as the Roses des Sables rally, an event that not only challenges participants with the vast dunes of the Moroccan desert but also raises awareness for breast cancer. Recently returned to Quebec after a ten-day expedition, Kristina Degy shared her excitement over the phone, still feeling the vibrant memories of Morocco resonating in her heart. "This will be a memory that stays with us forever," she remarked, encapsulating the essence of their experience.
The sisters, who have been separated by thousands of kilometers—Kristina residing in Quebec since 2017 and Elise living in France—faced the unique challenge of coordinating their participation in the rally, especially when preparing to tackle the daunting Erg Chegaga dunes. Their determination led them to communicate daily in the lead-up to the event, ensuring that every detail was meticulously planned. Just like all other participants, they had to rent their vehicle and complete mandatory driving training to navigate the arduous terrain.
The Roses des Sables Rally
The Roses des Sables rally spanned ten days, during which 250 participants traversed 1,200 kilometers across six stages in the stunning southern region of Morocco. The event provided the option to use four different types of vehicles, allowing for a variety of driving experiences. However, Kristina found herself unprepared for the sheer exhaustion that accompanied long days of racing, often covering distances of up to 160 kilometers in a single day. "The days are incredibly tiring and long," she admitted, highlighting the rigorous nature of the rally, which involved not just the race but also crucial logistical connections before and after each stage. One particularly challenging segment involved a marathon stretch where participants were on their own for 48 hours, sleeping under the stars in the desert—a test of endurance that Kristina described as both grueling and breathtaking.
Reflecting on the highlights of their adventure, Kristina expressed that the humanitarian aspect resonated most with her. "We arrived with donations that we were able to distribute to schools in the region. That was a profoundly impactful moment," she shared. As an orthoptist, Kristina also contributed by bringing ophthalmology supplies, including glasses and testing materials, to assist those in need. Another poignant experience for the sisters was forming a pink ribbon in the desert, symbolizing their commitment to breast cancer prevention.
The rally not only served as a physical challenge but also stood as a tribute to the fight against breast cancer—an issue close to the sisters' hearts. Kristina recounted a personal connection to this cause, recalling how their mother battled breast cancer when Kristina was just eight years old and Elise only one. The journey toward awareness was starkly different then, as their mother had to wait two years before receiving a mammogram, leading to a late diagnosis. Fortunately, their mother survived, and Kristina acknowledged her as a source of inspiration throughout this adventure.
As reported by ici.radio-canada.ca.
