Sixteen amateur bicyclists took part in the 700 km cycling race between Chisinau and Brasov #HospiceBikeTour2019 during June 14-18, 2019. The collected proceeds of over €14,000 will be used to develop the National Network of Palliative Care Services in Moldova. The event was held the third consecutive year, IPN reports, quoting a press release of the organizers.

The race had the following itinerary: Chisinau – Iasi – Gura Humorului – Lacul Bicaz – Miercurea Ciuc – Brasov. It went by Pietrele Doamnei, going down the right slope of the lake Izvorul Muntelui and covering the mountainous road Transrarăul. The participants encouraged donations in support of palliative care services in Moldova. Of the 16 participants, 13 completed the race. Three contestants joined in only for the first 160 km that separate Chisinau from Iasi. One of the participants came from the U.S. to support the noble cause, while another one came from Romania.

“We are glad that our challenge was accepted and HospiceBikeTour2019 was a success. We are very grateful to all those who supported the cause of Hospice of Hope Moldova. Our gratitude also goes to our partners that support us every year and without which this event would not be possible,” stated Raluca Muntean, Hospices of Hope Moldova and Albania Country Manager.

The National Network of Palliative Care Services Hospices of Hope Moldova consists of five mobile, multidisciplinary teams that provide medical-social assistance services at home to persons who suffer from an incurable disease or are in life-limiting conditions. All the offered services are free for beneficiaries from Soroca, Ocnița, Orhei, Taraclia and Cahul.

Since the project was launched, over 700 persons have benefitted from palliative care services. There were made over 15,000 home visits and consolations and more than 40 persons were trained to provide palliative care services, with over 1,000 people receiving aid in the form of stoma bags and accessories.

The sponsors of the event were: Kaufland Moldova, BC “Mobiasbancă – Groupe Société Générale” S.A., KVG, Sade CGTH, Grawe Carat Asigurări S.A., Hai la Țară and Familiei drugstore.