after cancer, this young woman prepares to climb a dizzying peak in Mexico

In remission from cancer and living near Pontarlier (Doubs), Maeva Pigny is preparing to climb the peak of Orizaba, in Mexico, at nearly 5,600 m. Story of the preparation for his incredible expedition, made possible thanks to the Bisontine association “Sowing Hope”.

Maeva Pigny has two mountains to climb in her life. The first ascent is already completed and, above all, metaphorical: a cancer called Hodgkin's disease or lymphoma, from which she completely recovered after several months of chemotherapy. The second ascent is very real: the young Franc-Comtoise, almost 23 years old, is preparing to climb a high Mexican peak at the end of November.

Cancer remission at an altitude of more than 5,600 meters is an ambitious program. To accomplish this small feat, the young woman does not leave alone. She's part of a program called Summits of Hope,”Cimas de la Esperanza” in its Mexican version, carried by the Bisontine association Semons l'Espoir.

The stated objective of this association is to show that there is life after cancer by supporting people in remission, particularly with the help of psychologists. While she is recovering from Hodgkin's disease (which manifests itself by swelling of the lymph nodes, most often in the neck), Franc-Comtoise Maeva Pigny discovers the high mountain outings offered by the association.

In July 2024, she climbed her first summit, that of Tête Blanche, in Chamonix, culminating at 3,400 meters above sea level. “That went very, very well and I had unforgettable encounters there“, the young woman tells France 3 Franche-Comté, a perceptible smile in her voice.

An experience of surpassing oneself and sharing which overwhelmed her so much that she agreed to repeat the experience at the end of November. But this time, we will have to tackle the dizzying peak of Orizaba… in Mexico. “I like new challenges! I am someone who likes to get out of my comfort zone “, she enthuses.

The departure for North America is scheduled for this Saturday, November 16. “I'm not particularly prepared, but it'll be okay, at least I hope so.”jokes the young woman, who has not followed any particular preparation to climb the high mountain apart from her weekly sports sessions.

“CWhat I fear a lot is the cold, it will be -18°C, and the altitude too, but we have great guides with whom we left in July, so I am reassured about safety.”

The head of the Mexican branch of the Summits of Hope, Mathieu Dornier, son of Pierre Dornier, founder of the association, confirms: nothing is left to chance. “We have been going with our team for several years, we are experienced. There is psychological monitoring of participants before and after the expedition“, he explains from Mexico.

Also read : “There is life after cancer”: in remission, she climbs a summit at 6,000 meters with the association Sow Hope

Among the participants, Najma Monnier, a 43-year-old Bisontine, also in remission, whom we had already interviewed during her expedition to the top of a mountain in Bolivia. But also two one-legged people, who will climb with pants and prostheses adapted to the exercise, notably financed thanks to corporate sponsors.

Three days of climbing await the fifteen French and Mexicans. “We will go up to 4 002 meters to base camp, then 5 000 meters for the second camp and finally at 5 600 meters to the peak on the third day“, explains Mathieu Dornier.

A difficult climb in a magnificent setting that allows participants to build strong bonds. “We feel like we've known each other forever, it's really like a new family, says Maeva Pigny. When we walk, we also talk about the illness, everyone can express things that we don't say around us because it would have worried our loved ones“.

I want to show people that even if we feel like life is getting to us a little, we can try to see the positive that comes after cancer, remission. It's easier said than done, but deep down we are strong, and much more than we think

Maeva Pigny, expedition participant

The head of “Cimas de la Esperanza”, Mathieu Dornier, who lost his two sisters to cancer, sees the psychological benefits of mountain outings on the participants. “We think that remission is easy and that everything is behind you, but that is not the case… The psychological after-effects of cancer are enormous“, he testifies.

An observation shared by Franc-Comtoise Maeva Pigny: “I want to show people that even if we feel like life is getting to us a little, we can try to see the positive that comes after cancer, remission. It's easier said than done, but deep down we are strong, and much more than we think.“

Before adding, with a touch of philosophy undoubtedly brought by the trials of his life: “The mountain is so beautiful, we are so small, but so alive together.”