My Story

This year, I have the honor of running in the London Marathon, a chance I earned by committing to raise funds for World Child Cancer. This incredible organization supports children battling cancer in countries where access to treatments, medications, and basic healthcare is often severely limited.

Founded in 2007, World Child Cancer is the leading international charity dedicated to addressing the global inequality in childhood cancer treatment. Currently supporting 13 programs across Africa, Asia, and Central America, they work tirelessly to save lives by improving diagnosis, treatment, and family support. Their mission stands on four key pillars: enhancing treatment (believing health is a right, not a privilege), supporting families (as cancer affects not only the patient but their loved ones), advancing early diagnosis, and raising awareness for childhood cancer.

The mission of World Child Cancer resonates deeply with me for many reasons. I am running this marathon in honor of my father, who passed away from kidney cancer on Valentine’s Day nearly two years ago. My dad was a doctor, a man of family and faith, a lover of nature, and an athlete. He saved lives, listened to those in need, and believed in treating everyone equally. He left behind two grandchildren he adored, and we miss him dearly.

As a mother of two young children, ages 2 and 5, I can’t imagine the despair of facing a child’s cancer diagnosis without access to resources. While most childhood cancers can be treated, the survival rate in countries like the UK, USA, and Europe is over 80%. However, in low- and middle-income countries, survival rates drop to as low as 10%, and sadly, more than 1,000 children die from cancer every single day.

World Child Cancer bridges two causes that I am passionate about: children and cancer. Every child deserves the chance to live a full, happy life, filled with smiles and love. With your help, we can change the course for children whose families don’t have the means to provide even basic treatment. This is a cause that should matter to us all. When our loved ones face illness, we should be able to focus on their recovery, not worry about whether care is possible.

Through this marathon, I hope to transform my grief and sadness into something positive for families around the world who are facing similar battles. Please join me in this mission—any donation, no matter the size, will make a difference. Together, we can make the world a lighter, happier place for children fighting cancer and their families.

Thank you from the bottom of my heart for your support.

♥️ João