Camino de Santiago

781 kilometers. One step at a time.

In 2023, I walked 781 kilometers from Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port in France to Santiago de Compostela in Spain.

What began as a personal pilgrimage soon became something much bigger. More than 160 people joined the journey, supporting the initiative through donations, encouragement, and shared belief in the power of research.

Together, we raised CHF 16,088 for cancer research, transforming every step into tangible support for young scientists working toward better treatments.

Introduction

  • 781 km

  • 25 days

  • 160+ supporters

  • CHF 16,088 raised

  • 1 young researcher funded

Day 1 - The Pyrenees

The first step. A bit of fear. A lot of meaning.
The Pyrenees ahead - and a cause worth every step.

Day 10 - The Meseta

The most silent part of the Camino, and the one where inner noise gets louder.
Silence becomes clarity when the road is long enough.

Day 20 - Galicia

Everything hurts, but the rhythm of walking has become a rhythm of purpose.
The hardest steps are the ones that teach you who you are.

Day 25 – Santiago

I arrived after a 52 km day - on my birthday.
Reaching Santiago is not the end; it’s the beginning.

Why it mattered

The funds raised were fully donated to the Institute for Research in Biomedicine (IRB) in Bellinzona, where they financed a competitive grant for young postdoctoral researchers.

Following a national call, the grant was awarded to Dr. Tommaso Virgilio for an innovative melanoma research project.

His research focuses on the sentinel lymph node—the first place where melanoma usually spreads. The goal is to develop new therapies that activate the body's immune system directly within this critical site, helping prevent the spread of cancer.

The project has already produced a promising drug candidate and continues to explore new therapeutic approaches, bringing innovative ideas one step closer to future treatments.

Watch the project video

How you can support

  • A first step


    CHF 5 / JPY 1,000

    Even the smallest contribution matters. Many first steps together can start a journey of change.

    Donate CHF 5 / JPY 1,000

  • A set of samples


    CHF 50 / JPY 10,000

    Support the materials needed to test an innovative idea. With your help, a researcher can move from theory to practice.

    Donate CHF 50 / JPY 10,000

  • A key experiment


    CHF 500 / JPY 100,000

    Enable a crucial experiment in cancer research. This level of support can generate the first results that open new directions.

    Recognition on website and SNS channels.

    Donate CHF 500 / JPY 100,000

  • A breakthrough opportunity


    CHF 2,500 / JPY 500,000

    Fund a young researcher’s project idea with a direct pilot grant. Your support allows a postdoc to generate preliminary data and apply for larger grants.

    Recognition on website and SNS channels, plus a feature in the Faces of Hope Donor Series.

    Donate CHF 2,500 / JPY 500,000

  • Donate easily with TWINT

    Switzerland only

    Donations via TWINT are anonymous. To help us keep track and properly thank you, we would appreciate it if you let us know.

Join the journey

I hope you’ll join us on this journey: by making a donation and/or by sharing this initiative with others.

Small steps. Real impact.

Support Faces of Hope