For the 2018 edition of Lëtz Go Gold, the Kriibskrank Kanner Foundation has organised a race divided into a 5 and 10 km course and a 5 km walk that will take place on 29 September in Kockelscheuer. Participants must collect a €200 fee through donations or €100 for students and  under 18s. The charity run winners will be selected by the amount of donations they collected. The donations will fund research into “improving neuroblastoma therapy by targeting intratumoral hypoxia and immune checkpoint PD-L1” and “Effects of pesticides on the intestine and their role in cancer development”.

Magaly Piscarel: Tell us a bit about yourself?

Dany Martins: I was born on 16.07.1990 (28 years old) and I have dual Portuguese/Luxembourgish nationality. I am a teacher in the preparatory class at Mathias Adam technical high school in Differdange.

Patricia Mangili: I am the accountant of the Kriibskrank Kanner Foundation, I am married and I have 3 children.

MP: Why are you participating in this race?

DM: I decided to participate when I was thinking about how to celebrate my birthday. Because I am not someone who likes being the centre of attention and I don’t like organising parties, “pushing” people to offer presents. I made the decision to jump on a new Facebook trend, the call for donations to an association instead of a personal gift. Unfortunately, the Kriibskrank Kanner Foundation does not propose this option. Therefore, I sent them a message suggesting them to activate it. Unfortunately (or not), it is not (yet) possible but the foundation suggested I participate in this race. As I am in training for a new football season, it was the perfect opportunity. So, why not?

PM: At the beginning of my commitment to and for the Foundation, I thought that our personal and professional investments were the key to support, help, accompany children and their families. I have noticed the damage of heavy treatments such as chemotherapy and radiotherapy, the effects on children related to treatment and not to the disease. Research is essential if we want to improve treatment and increase children’s life expectancy. I am totally committed to this cause.

MP: Do you know someone affected by cancer?

DM: No, I don’t know anyone (personally or in my circle) affected by cancer. As long as it does not change ... But cancer is an extremely present and cruel disease.

PM: I sadly knew children and adults who were victim of cancer and who very often died.

MP: Is it your first race?

DM: Honestly, I'm not someone who loves running. I have so far only participated in 2 semi-marathons. But unfortunately, the race is part of the basic training of footballers so instead of running blind, it is better to run for a good cause and with a clear goal in front of you. [Dany will run the 10 km]

PM: I have been jogging for over 15 years, so I will run 10 km.

MP: How much do you hope to collect?

DM: My initial goal was €200 (the amount allowing me to participate in the race). However, after reaching this amount after only a few hours, I thought "let's go crazy" and I doubled my goal, to €400. I didn’t expect at all to exceed this amount, however, I  already have more than €800. I want to thank everyone who contributed to this nice sum. It feels good to see that the world is not so bad as one might think.

PM: I hoped for €200 euros and I was very surprised to see that I had exceeded €1,000 in a very short time. I will not set any limit to the top, you have to dream big sometimes.

MP: Anything you would like to add?

DM: Thank you from the bottom of my heart to all the donors. Thank you for every penny, for every gesture, for every message. And then, thanks to the Kriibskrank Kanner Foundation and to all the people and volunteers who do their best to make life easier for children affected by cancer, but also for the families concerned...A job that I admire a lot.

PM: I would like to thank all the people who supported me with all my heart, because people who know me know my personal investment for the Foundation.

The 5 km and 10 km races will begin at 11.00 am, followed by the 5 km walk at 11.05 am. The hand-over of donations to the researchers and podium celebration will take place at 12.30 pm with activities and lunch.

Click here to found out more about the registration.