From March 3rd to 13th, Patricia Deguara and her daughter Emmanuelle-Salambo Deguara will embark on an exceptional adventure: a trek in Patagonia. Accompanied by videographer Émile David, they will immortalize their journey in a documentary scheduled to premiere in early May.
At the heart of the Mother’s Day campaign, this project pays tribute to the courage and resilience of single mothers. As ambassadors, Patricia and Emmanuelle are using their expedition to support the cause, contributing to the Foundation’s visibility and fundraising to support families.
A cause that resonates with their experiences!
Emmanuelle is behind this project. As Head of Compliance and Legal Affairs at RGP Investissements, this running and mountaineering enthusiast wants to make a concrete contribution to the influence of Mères avec pouvoir by inspiring and raising awareness: “I wanted my next adventure to have an impact bigger than just me,” she explains.
The choice to get involved with Mothers with Power is no accident. Having been separated when her children were young and a real estate entrepreneur, Patricia fondly recalls the courage that single parenthood demands: “We experience loneliness, insecurity, and vulnerability. I believe it’s essential to give women the tools to propel themselves forward.”
“I have always encouraged the liberation of women, to be the bearers of our beliefs, our desires, and to remain true to ourselves.” – Patricia Deguara
Her philosophy? Live life as a gift. For her, our existence is a great celebration, despite the challenges. A state of mind her daughter admires: “She faced her fears and went for it. She’s resilient, ambitious, and generous. My mother gave her all in everything she did.”
An unparalleled complicity!
Behind this adventure, there is also (and above all) an exceptionally touching mother-daughter relationship, forged by shared passions. Since her daughter’s birth, Patricia has never hesitated to introduce her to new horizons.
Today, it’s Emmanuelle’s turn to give back to her mother: “Over the years, I’ve become aware of what an extraordinary woman my mother is, both professionally and personally. She had me at 23, an age I’ve now surpassed. Now it’s my turn to give her something. “
Their complicity is such that this trekking project came together in the blink of an eye: “A meeting with Mothers with Power, 15 minutes of discussion, and we said we’d go to Patagonia. I was already sure my mother would be up for it,” says Emmanuelle. Unsurprisingly, Patricia jumped on board without hesitation: “We’re adventurers, we challenge ourselves.”
When Manu told me we were leaving, I said yes without even looking. I trust him 1000%.”
“My daughter surpasses all my teachings. Sometimes I think I may have taught her too much (laughs). I see the fire in her eyes. She thrives on challenges, on her passions, with incomparable intensity, and I find that wonderful.” – Patricia Deguara
A sporting breakthrough in Peru
This isn’t the first sporting adventure for the two women. During a trip to Peru, they discovered a passion for the mountains together. For Patricia, who was joining her daughter there, it was a complete surprise: “I didn’t even know we were going to climb mountains; I’d brought sandals! Some people had been preparing for this climb for a year, and I arrived with a stick and a Peruvian hat (laughs).”
This experience remains one of their most beautiful trips together. Patricia describes a profound sense of freedom and well-being, etched in her memory: “We had a wonderful time together. Manu gave me a passion for the mountains.”
For Emmanuelle, it was the beginning of a passion for sport through travel. “My daughter ran 125 km in one day!” Patricia proudly recounts. Having already made three documentaries, Emmanuelle approaches the experience with serenity and optimism: it’s not about performance, but about surpassing oneself. “My mother goes with the flow, and it’s perfect. She excels in this kind of situation.”
Which won’t stop her mother from “always being in front,” her daughter says with a wry smile.
Patricia has a tip: “Just go for it, put one foot in front of the other. In Peru, I had no expectations, I breathed the mountain.”
A daughter’s gift to her mother
Beyond the sporting achievement and their commitment to the Foundation, the adventure they are about to embark on together has a special meaning. For Emmanuelle, it’s a way to give something exceptional to her mother and fulfill a dream: “I promised myself I’d take her on a trip. It was one of my life goals, to share this adventure with her.”
For her part, Patricia welcomes this initiative with emotion: “As a mother, having my daughter offer me this project is the greatest gift. It’s the ultimate accomplishment as a mother.” She concludes, with great sincerity: “I am immensely proud to be her mother. She fills me with happiness.”
Article written by L’effet A