A hike through the Portuguese countryside. A half marathon in Antwerp. What began as two separate initiatives by staff members at CORE – UAntwerp’s Center for Oncological Research – grew into a joint effort with one clear goal: to raise visibility and funds for innovative cancer research.
Running for a future without cancer
Two initiatives, one mission. Research technician Louize Brants organised a 75-kilometre hike through the hilly landscapes of Portugal. Four colleagues joined her. Research manager Delphine Quatannens rallied 19 enthusiastic colleagues to run the Antwerp half marathon together on 19 October. The two initiatives soon came together under a single banner: Moving forward together towards a future without cancer.
‘You often come across external fundraising campaigns,’ says Louize. ‘So why not set up something ourselves, for our own lab?’ That question struck a chord. The response was immediate and enthusiastic. ‘We’d often hear that people wanted to contribute directly to our research, without intermediaries. This initiative makes that possible.’
‘There are many external fundraising campaigns, but through this initiative people can contritbute to our cancer research directly, without intermediaries.’
– Louize Brants
Sport as a unifying force
That they settled on an initiative involving sports is no coincidence. ‘We’re all quite sporty and love a challenge. Add a competitive element and we’re on board,’ laughs Delphine. ‘But the best part is that it strengthens our team spirit. CORE has over 100 researchers, spread across different research groups and locations. Training together is motivating and helps you get to know your colleagues better.’
To prepare, Louize and her colleagues trained in places such as the Kalmthoutse Heide, with its heat, sand and nature trails stretching for kilometres. ‘The actual hike in Portugal was still tough,’ she says, ‘but we’re incredibly proud that we made it.’
The runners are still training hard, during lunch breaks or after work. They keep each other motivated in a WhatsApp group – which is no luxury, since most of them have never run a half marathon before.
What happens to the money raised?
Every euro goes directly to CORE’s cancer research – and that support is very much needed. Equipment, materials and new technologies are expensive. Unfortunately, traditional research grants cover only part of the costs. ‘Grants are essential for our work, but they’re limited and difficult to obtain,’ explains Delphine. ‘For our day-to-day operations we need additional funding. Donations allow us to purchase materials and to test new therapies and innovative ideas more quickly.’
Delphine gives us a concrete example of such innovation: ‘We’re currently working on a promising new immunotherapy: CAR-NK cell therapy. In this approach, immune cells from healthy donors are used to specifically target and attack cancer cells. We’ve already made significant progress and hope to be amongst the first in Europe to bring this therapy to patients.’
‘For our day-to-day operations we need additional funding. Donations allow us to purchase materials and to test new therapies and innovative ideas more quickly.’
– Delphine Quatannens
Putting the patient first
The focus of CORE’s research is guided by a clear vision: the patient’s needs always come first. ‘Every research line we initiate must offer clear added value for the patient. Their quality of life is our top priority,’ explains Delphine. Thanks to close collaboration with UZA, CORE is able to fully focus on personalised therapies that maximise both effectiveness and quality of life.
Working on visibility
With this initiative, the researchers also aim to make CORE more visible to the wider public in Antwerp. They do so, amongst other things, through their own website, social media and flyers. Louize: ‘Family, friends and supporters can follow and encourage the team. Afterwards, we’ll also show them exactly what their contribution has made possible.’
Eline Joukes from the Antwerp University Fund is also joining the marathon. ‘We really enjoy working with the Antwerp University Fund. They’re helping to support this project, and their involvement means a great deal to us,’ say Louize and Delphine.
Help build a future without cancer
- You can support the initiative at https://oncopolis.be/sponsor-actie
- Want to cheer on the runners? Be sure to come along to the Antwerp Marathon on 19 October.
- Did you know that, through the Antwerp University Fund, you can also support other University of Antwerp projects besides CORE? Have a look and find out more.