Returning to walk the Camino de Santiago

[Peregrina]

I have just completed a year of treatment for stage 4 colorectal cancer which included a bowel resection , liver resection and the most awful 6 months of chemotherapy. My most recent follow up scans/tests inform me that I am currently cancer free. So, with new hope and strength I am preparing to return to Spain to walk the pilgrimage, Camino de Santiago, again next year. With flights booked for next September and itinerary planned I am now struggling with travel insurance. My wife who is walking with me had a stroke two years ago and most insurance companies will cover her stroke for an extra fee. However, I cannot find an insurance company that will cover my cancer even though I am currently cancer free. I have walked the Camino twice before, once on my own, and have always trusted that all will be well. I have walked without fear, with courage and strength but cancer has shaken me to my very core. I have survived the hardest year of my life yet am struggling to feel my power and resilience around leaving Australia without the safety net of insurance in case things go wrong in Spain. Does anyone in the community have any suggestions regarding insurance please. ? Life has to continue, which includes travel and fulfilling dreams. Thankyou 🙏

[sch]

Hi @Peregrina 

Sorry, I don't have anything helpful to add regarding the health insurance.

I'd love to hear if you managed to do the walk.

Hope everything is well for you.

-s

[Peregrina]

Hi sch, great to hear from you. 17 months on from my initial stage 4 bowel cancer diagnosis I am doing well 🤗 All my recent surveillance tests are good with no signs of recurrence. So, I am off to walk the 800 km pilgrimage, Camino De Santiago (Spain), on 10th September this year….yeah !!!!  My greatest challenge has to preparation has been peripheral neuropathy, a nasty side effect from chemo, as walking initially felt like I was walking on glass then, as it gradually resolved I felt like I had spiders crawling in my boots ! But with weekly acupuncture, high dose mega B and naturopathic drops the peripheral neuropathy has almost totally resolved. I decided to dedicate my pilgrimage to all those facing the challenges of cancer and its arduous treatments. So have set up a “Do It For Cancer” fundraiser page on the the Cancer Council website. The link is https://www.doitforcancer.com.au/fundraisers/lindaverity    

I would be really grateful if anybody on the online community wants to support me in this fundraising venture as I have a goal to reach and I know how important it is to have continued support from our cancer teams on this challenging path. But, it costs a lot of money and I want to give a little back to all the Earth Angels who continue to hold me up giving their love, expertise and guidance that I need to be strong, resilient and courageous. I can only walk this pilgrimage with my safety net of cancer supporters who make me feel like a warrior….. “ human you are amazing” 🙏🎊🎉💖