2017
The 2017 New Year’s resolution of Véronique Forgeur was to get back into sports. Her husband, Benoit, jokingly challenged her to run the 20km of Brussels… Very quickly they decided to run and to associate a cause close to their heart, ie childhood cancer. Numerous friends joined the challenge and it quickly became a great philanthropic adventure on top of just the actual race.
On May 28, 2017, a team of more than 50 runners completed the 20km of Brussels and raised 37,000 Euros thanks to the generosity of more than 300 donors. This was for the benefit of the pediatric hematology and oncology ward of the University Clinics Saint-Luc. These funds enabled to implement several projects enhancing the quality of life of kids and adolescents with cancer, notably setting up a treatment and well-being room, purchasing a new set of neurologic tests, funding and organising a day out for kids and family, a Saint-Nicolas event, funding a support group for the families of kids who lost their battle with cancer, …
Kathleen Moucheron, herself closely affected by childhood cancer, joined the Organising Committee. Kathleen focuses on the implementation of projects within the University Clinics Saint-Luc.
Antoine de Spoelberch, after running the 20km of Brussels himself, joined the Organising Committee, focusing rigorously on all financial aspects, leveraging on his 20 years’ experience in Investment Banking.
2018
The 20km of Hope Team is growing and for the 2018 edition of the 20km of Brussels, we decided to fund two pediatric hematology and oncology wards in both the University Clinics Saint-Luc as well as the Universitair Ziekenhuis Leuven.
The cause was also close to Daphné Mertens‘ heart and she joined the Organising Committee focusing on the “Beads of Courage” project.
Hélène d’Udekem, closely affected by childhood cancer, joins the Organising Committee and focuses on the monitoring of projects funded at the UC Saint-Luc.
Fran Miolée, also affected by childhood cancer, joins the Organising Committee and focuses on following up on the projects funded by the Team at UZ Leuven.