Friends and relatives of Juno De Hauwere recently gathered at the starting line of the Ghent marathon. They weren’t just looking to achieve a sporting milestone, but above all they were there to honour Juno’s memory and raise funds for leukaemia research. Juno suffered from acute leukaemia. Through Ghent University’s action platform, more than €20.000 have already been raised for the Cancer Research Institute Ghent (CRIG).
Tribute to Juno’s courage
In September 2024, 28-year-old Juno received devastating news: he had acute leukaemia, a form of blood cancer. Barely a month later, on October 25th, he passed away. “It all happened so incredibly fast,” recalls his friend and Ghent University alumnus Jef. “But despite the harsh diagnosis and the intensive treatment, Juno remained unbelievably brave.”
That mentality and determination were exactly what his closest friends wanted to honour. Together with Lieselot, Juno’s partner, Jef, Thijs and Bavo decided to launch a fundraising campaign linked to the Sofico Ghent Marathon. “We're trying to show even a fraction of the courage Juno had,” says Bavo. “It's the least we can do.” In total, fifteen people ran either the full or half marathon, cheered on by a large crowd of supporters.
Even donations from abroad
What started as a small initiative quickly grew into a widespread show of support. Using Ghent University's user-friendly action platform, it took the friends just a few clicks to set up their campaign. “The platform is very accessible and as the organiser you get a clear overview of the donations,” says Jef.
Those donations have far exceeded their expectations. “We never imagined hundreds of people would contribute,” Jef adds. “We even received donations from abroad and raised more than €20,000. The amount itself isn’t what matters most to us – it’s the number of donations that truly moves us. So many people wanted to do their part.”
Bavo: "We're trying to show even a fraction of the courage Juno had. It's the least we can do.”
Trailblazing research by the CRIG
The choice for the CRIG was no accident. The Cancer Research Institute Ghent brings together the expertise of Ghent-based researchers to make cancer research more efficient and innovative. “We wanted to donate the proceeds to a research institution that truly makes a difference in leukaemia research,” says Bavo.
Wat does the CRIG do?
“Ghent is a pioneer in immunotherapy”, says Eva De Smedt from the CRIG. “These treatments boost the immune system to fight cancer cells more effectively. Thanks to initiatives like this, we can provide grants to young researchers. Those grants can be an enormous springboard for further breakthroughs in therapies and treatments.” Read more about the CRIG.
An emotional day
The marathon proved to be an intense experience, both physically and mentally. “It was really tough at times”, says Jef. “But Ghent is inextricably linked with the wonderful moments I shared with Juno. Those memories gave me so much strength. Also, seeing all those people coming out to support Juno and our campaign is a reminder of why we’re doing this. To cross the finish line with so much support… indescribable.”
Besides the sporting achievement, the day was above all one of solidarity. “For us, it was a way to do something tangible,” says Bavo. “We mourn together but at the same time we create something positive. The warmth we feel today confirms what we already knew: Juno was deeply loved.”
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