Sometimes the Route Changes. The Destination Does Not.
As I climb onto my road bike, it is not only me who is excited, but the entire crew: filmmakers Bojan Hadžiabdić and Zoran Kubura, and Jalil, my husband and tireless support throughout this journey.
After months of preparation, a seemingly crazy idea is finally becoming reality. But let me start from the beginning.
THE WAY. Reimagined.
Originally, THE WAY. Health Unites Us. was meant to take place in Morocco, a country that impressed and touched me from the very first moment. The plan was to begin with a ski ascent of Mount Toubkal (4,167 m) and then continue by road bike from Tangier, stopping along the way to meet Morocco’s cancer communities before reaching the country’s southern border.
By mid-February, however, it had already become apparent that we would not receive the necessary filming permit in time for the ascent of Toubkal. So, we quickly adapted our plans and travelled to Bosnia and Herzegovina instead, where we climbed Mali Vilinac in the Čvrsnica mountain range on skis. Not a 4,000-metre peak, but a magnificent mountain with spectacular views across Blidinje Nature Park.
During the second week of April, we were forced to abandon our plans for the road cycling tour through Morocco altogether. Despite having excellent local contacts, we simply could not obtain the required filming permits.
For a brief moment, this project, which had accompanied us since October 2025, seemed increasingly difficult. But then one thing led to another, thanks in no small part to the dedication of our filmmakers, Zoran and Bojan, and the flexibility of our supporters.
Instead of one country on another continent, we are now travelling through six countries in Europe. More to come. Because sometimes the route changes, even when the destination remains the same.
The Journey Continues. New Routes, Same Mission.
Encounters. People. Stories.
We have experienced breathtaking mountain landscapes, crystal-clear lakes, untamed rivers, national parks and some of the most beautiful natural regions in Europe. An outdoor playground that must be preserved.
Headwinds, rain, long climbs and life-threatening overtaking manoeuvres by oncoming vehicles. Up the mountains, down the mountains, repeat. That is exactly how the cycling routes felt to me.
We covered countless kilometres and conducted numerous interviews. Just a few kilometres outside Split, a cancer survivor, professional triathlete and marathon runner gave me a swimming lesson in the Adriatic Sea. It pushed me far beyond my comfort zone, yet it was a truly unique experience that perfectly embodied the spirit of this journey and documentary.
We met people whose stories extend far beyond sport. Stories of hope, courage, healing and the power to get back up time and time again. People who have experienced and survived cancer, and others who have lost loved ones to the disease. People who have dedicated their lives to sport, movement, nature, science or supporting others.
Among them was a scientist who lost his wife to cancer only a few months ago, along with many other remarkable individuals who speak passionately and sincerely about movement.
Every encounter was different: differently inspiring, differently powerful, differently moving and differently hopeful.
Travel Creates Opportunities.
What began as a short stopover in Sarajevo, the hometown of our film crew, evolved into fascinating discussions about healthier cities, active mobility, cancer prevention and the healing power of nature.
Outdoor Against Cancer and the City of Sarajevo are partners in the European Union-funded DynamiCity project.
Twenty-seven partners and nine associated partners from 18 European countries have come together to unlock the potential of Active Micromobility for health, quality of life and sustainable urban development.
Within DynamiCity, OAC contributes its expertise at the intersection of Physical Activity and cancer by further developing the OAC Certified Training and creating workshops for professionals working in health and mobility. We also support the dissemination of the project’s developments and findings across Europe.
Small Team. Big Impact.
Together, Bojan, Zoran and I have delivered numerous projects over the years, including the short film CHOOSE the HEALTHy way, which received recognition at the WHO Health for All Film Festival 2023.
While Bojan and Zoran bring stories to life on screen, Abdeljalil Sallami, my Jalil, manages everything behind the scenes.
Filming from a car or operating a drone while I cycle uphill and race downhill is simply impossible without a reliable partner behind the wheel.
After countless kilometres and projects together, something has developed that cannot be planned: genuine trust.
Did Everything Go According to Plan? Of course not.
Right at the beginning, unexpected challenges in a completed EU4Health project created additional pressure.
While I found myself removing already completed person-months from the project budget instead of sitting on my road bike, Bojan, Zoran and Jalil responded to my stressed self with unwavering calm and, yes, a healthy dose of humour. Thank you for that.
The Journey Continues.
In September, we will continue THE WAY. Health Unites Us. and head further towards Greece.
More kilometres. More encounters. More stories that demonstrate what health, movement, nature and community can achieve.
When we began planning in October 2025, we could never have imagined this journey unfolding exactly as it has. Perhaps that is precisely where its greatest strength lies, and where the true appeal of our work can be found.
The route has changed. The destination has not.
THE WAY. Health Unites Us.
