Thanks to the participation of many runners in the 20 km of Brussels, the association Run for Hope has donated €12,000 to the Pediatric Oncology Service at Citadelle Hospital. This valuable sum will support initiatives to improve the daily lives of young patients and enhance their care environment.
These funds will enable the development of new projects aimed at offering moments of escape and making the care setting more welcoming. The association had previously contributed to the installation of an aquarium in December 2025 and the 'Collier des Héros' (Hero's Necklace) project, which symbolically accompanies children throughout their treatment.
An illustration by Bernard Jacquet, one of the association's donors, depicting superheroes inspired by the 'Collier des Héros', was presented as a tribute to the children's courage. This artwork highlights the true everyday heroes behind each overcome treatment and difficulty.
This fundraising effort resonates with particular emotion due to the memory of Lisa, a 16-year-old patient who was treated at Citadelle from a young age and passed away in June 2026. She had introduced the 'Collier des Héros' project to the hospital teams, becoming its ambassador, and was involved in the concept for the aquarium now installed in the service.
On October 17th, Lisa's 17th birthday, her memory remains strong among the staff who cared for her. Her enthusiasm and ideas continue to inspire initiatives aimed at bringing more comfort and gentleness to hospitalized children, thus continuing her story through ongoing projects.
