Story
Join our team of 10 dedicated friends, as we prepare to fight and run for a hugely important cause, a fight in support of Children with Cancer UK. Our mission is urgent, as childhood cancer continues to claim young lives. With your help, we aim to raise 23,000 USD to fund vital reserach and provide essential support for young patients and their families. Every contribution, no matter the amount will make a meaningful impact.
Event 1: Muay Thai Fight - October 25th 2024
Event 2: London Marathon april 2025
About the Charity:
Every day Children with Cancer strive to increase awareness and understanding of cancer in children and young people.
Every child should have their whole life ahead of them, but cancer is still one of the biggest causes of death in young people under the age of 15.
Finding new ways to identify cancer in children and young people, and better, kinder ways to treat them means more will survive without the life-inhibiting side effects that can often come with remission.
Fund research
We’ve funded over 300 research projects leading to the development of better, kinder treatments and significantly contributing to survival rates which we’ve seen improve from 67% to 85.2%*
Support Families
From ‘amazing days out’ to funding accommodation close to hospitals, we work with partners to ensure families have the emotional and financial support they need, allowing them to focus on what matters most – their child.
Raise awareness
We shine a spotlight on childhood cancer to improve outcomes for thousands of children and young people across the UK. Thanks to our network of experts, we can educate families, the public and the scientific community.
Some childhood cancer statistics:
- 400,000 children get diagnosed with cancer annually
- Leading cancers are Leukemia, brain and CNS tumors
- Average age at diagnosis is 5 years
Introducing the runners and their stories:
Sylvia Galazka:
As a single mom raising three daughters and a breast cancer survivor diagnosed in 2017, I know the challenges and fears cancer brings. My journey has underscored the importance of resilience, hope, and community support. Falling in love with running has provided me with mental and physical strength. I am fundraising for Children with Cancer UK to ensure no child faces this battle alone. By running the London Marathon, I aim to raise awareness and funds for crucial research and treatments that save young lives and support their families. Together, we can bring hope and make a difference.
Eric Gruse:
As a grandfather, I'm deeply inspired by the perspective that comes with seeing the world through my grandchildren's eyes. Running the London Marathon in 2025 is not just a personal achievment but a commitment to setting an example of resilience and determination. My goal is to use this journey to support children battling cancer and their families. The courage they show every day fuels my own drive to train harder and finish stronger, knowing that each step I take can make a positive impact on their lives.
Mediha Kaljanac:
As a woman living with epilepsy, I know the daily battle to find strength and resilience. But no challenge I face compares to the fight children with cancer endure. Their courage inspires me, which is why I’m running this marathon to raise money for children cancer research. Every step I take is for these young warriors—to support them in their fight, to help fund better treatments, and to give them hope for a brighter future. Together, we can make a difference and ensure no child fights cancer alone. Join me in this mission to bring them hope and healing.
Tarik Kaljanac:
This race is about more than just running. When my mother was diagnosed with cancer, I saw firsthand the devestating impact of this disease. Thankfully, she fought hard and is now cancer-free. Inspired by her journey, I'm dedicating this London marathon to my mother and, most importantly, to the brave children battling cancer. I'm commited to raising funds for reasearch that will help find a cure and support those in need. Together, we will achieve a personal best and make strides in the fight against cancer.
Paige Mikula:
As I gear up to run the TCS London Marathon this April, my heart is filled with purpose. As an aunt to seven beautiful nieces and nephews, I’ve seen firsthand the joy and light children bring into the world, and it breaks my heart to know that some have to face the unimaginable battle of cancer. No child or family should go through that fight alone, and that’s why I’m running to support Children with Cancer UK. Every step I take is dedicated to helping these brave kids and their families, providing hope, support, and a chance for brighter days. This journey is about more than miles—it’s about making a difference, and I’d be honored to have your support. Together, we can help change lives.
Miguel Sanchez:
My grandfather passed away from cancer when I was three years old. I was in the next room, in fact, when he passed away at a pretty young age from a very treatable form of cancer. The main reason was that it wasn’t caught in time and, after discovery, the treatment he received in Mexico wasn’t the right one for him. So cancer has been a part of my life since I was very young. By running this marathon and raising both awareness and money to fund research into early detection and treatment, I hope to honor my Grandfather and everyone else that’s fighting to spend more time with their families and loved ones. To that end, I humbly ask for your support. Thank you!
Igor Kostic:
As part of giving back, one of my personal goals is to organize and coordinate one charity event per year to a charity that is important to me personally. Cancer has been a common occurance in my family and family members have passed away from it. Now that I have become an uncle for the first time, I can't imagine a young child having to go through the effects of cancer. Children with Cancer funds vital research and raises awareness that is critical to increasing the chances of survival in children. I will dedicate a Muay Thai fight and the London marathon to this cause for this reason. Thank you for anyone that is willing to support!
Mladen Kostic:
As a cancer survivor and now becoming a grandfather, my drive to support children battling cancer has only deepened. I know firsthand the challenges of fighting this disease, and I want to help ensure that every child has the chance to survive. This cause is close to my heart, and I am dedicated to raising awareness and funds so that more childer can overome their battles and live full, healthy lives.
Demir Hadzimuratovic:
I support Children with Cancer UK due to my uncle's passing from cancer two years ago. His battle highlighted the impact of cancer on families and young lives. Children with cancer UK's mission to improve survival rates and support affected families deeply resonates with me. I aim to honor my uncle's memory by fundraising through the London Marathon, ensuring children battling cancer receive vital care and support.
How is the Children With Cancer Organization involved?
For 35 years, Children with Cancer UK has funded much needed research into the causes of childhood cancers, and the development of better, kinder treatments as well as funding initiatives that support children and their families through cancer treatment and beyond.
Their work has contributed significantly to a marked increase in childhood cancer survival rates and improved quality of life for patients.
How can I contribute / donate?
Right here on JustGiving. It is simple, fast and totally secure. Your details are safe with JustGiving - they'll never sell them on or send unwanted emails. Once you donate, they'll send your money directly to the charity. So it's the most efficient way to donate - saving time and cutting costs for the charity.
Alternatively:
Venmo: @IgorKostic
You can donate offline as well or through A direct bank transfer. Just send one of the 7 runners a note and we will provide the details.
Companies:
If you represent an organization that would like to sponsor, please reach out. There are t-shirt placements as well as other sponsorship opportunities.
Ways to follow the journey to the run:
We will be posting updates here on the page on a regular basis. If you have social media, there will be updates on training and progress preparing events and more through the bottom pages:
Instagram:
Mediha: https://www.instagram.com/mediha_livadic
Jen: https://www.instagram.com/jenniferauerbach
Miguel: https://www.instagram.com/migscam
Mladen: https://www.instagram.com/mladen51
Igor: https://www.instagram.com/igor.kostic.11
Tarik: https://www.instagram.com/tarikkaljanac
Paige: https://www.instagram.com/paigemikulaa
Demir: https://www.instagram.com/demirhadzimuratovic
Eric: https://www.instagram.com/ejgruse
Sylvia: https://www.instagram.com/sylvia_1279
Every contribution, no matter the amount, will provide crucial support for medical expenses, transportation needs, specialized treatments, counseling services, and other essential requirements.
Donate Today in our journey to 23,000 USD .. and together, we can lace-up to make an impact in the fight against children's cancer!