Mar de Sonrisas is a solidarity project led by Médicos con Iberoamérica (IBERMED), created with a clear and deeply human purpose: to improve the quality of life of children with chronic and complex medical conditions in the province of Cádiz, as well as that of their families.
When a serious illness enters a child’s life, its impact goes far beyond physical health. It affects emotional wellbeing, family dynamics and the way children experience the world around them. At Mar de Sonrisas, we believe that healthcare must go further than clinical treatment alone, adopting a holistic approach that places the person — not just the illness — at the centre.
For this reason, the project combines psychological support and physiotherapy with a wide range of complementary therapies designed to promote wellbeing, emotional relief and moments of respite. These include music therapy, therapeutic yoga, magic workshops, dance and cooking activities, animal-assisted therapy, nature outings and sailing experiences, among many others.
These activities allow children to simply be children again: to laugh, play, explore and share moments of joy. At the same time, they provide families with much-needed support in a context often marked by uncertainty, exhaustion and constant concern.
Mar de Sonrisas represents a strong commitment to a more human-centred model of care, one that recognises joy, dignity and emotional support as essential elements of the therapeutic process. The sea, play and therapy come together to create shared moments of hope.
None of this would be possible without the commitment of collaborating organisations and educational centres, whose support is vital to the continuity and growth of this project. In this regard, we would like to highlight that during the first term of the 2025/2026 academic year, a significant fundraising initiative was carried out in support of IBERMED and the Mar de Sonrisas project. Actions like these demonstrate how education, solidarity and social responsibility can work hand in hand to create a real and meaningful impact.
At IBERMED, we are deeply grateful. Every contribution, every initiative and every gesture of support is transformed into smiles, relief and moments of hope for many children and their families.
Because sometimes, caring also means accompanying, listening… and helping to bring back a smile.
José María Tudela
Head of Social Action Projects
Médicos con Iberoamérica (IBERMED)
