Camino de Santiago 2023
A solo journey for cancer research. One step at a time.
In 2023, I walked 781 kilometers alone - from Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port to Santiago de Compostela.
But I wasn’t really alone.
The first edition of Faces of Hope (Cammino per la Speranza) was born from a personal moment of reflection, and became something much bigger: a fundraising journey for cancer research, one step at a time.
CHF 5 per kilometer. 781 kilometers of commitment. And over 160 people joined me - by donating, sharing, believing.
This wasn’t a challenge about endurance. It was a celebration of life and a quiet act of solidarity.
Because walking forward means giving meaning to the present - and hope to the future.
What is Camino de Santiago 2023?
The Cause
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Raised funds
A total of CHF 16,088 (JPY 3 million) was raised during the first edition of Faces of Hope (Cammino per la Speranza),. 100% of the funds were donated to the Institute for Research in Biomedicine (IRB) in Bellinzona, Switzerland, to support a high-impact oncology project led by Dr. Tommaso Virgilio.
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The event
A special gathering titled “My Camino de Santiago” brought together donors and friends. Andrea Nava shared his 781 km journey walked in support of cancer research, while Dr. Tommaso Virgilio presented the project made possible thanks to the generosity of more than 160 supporters.
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.
But behind me, I know there are over 100 supporters cheering silently.
Day 20 – Galicia
Every part of me hurts. But the rhythm of walking has become a rhythm of purpose.
I keep going - not for myself.
Day 25 – Santiago
I arrived after a 52 km journey - on my birthday. And together, we raised CHF 16,088. Every franc went to science.
"You don’t need to be strong to walk 781 km. You just need to care enough to start."
Andrea Nava
