What is Cammino per la Speranza?

Cammino per la Speranza was born in Switzerland as a personal journey to support cancer research.

Between 2023 and 2024, two editions brought together hundreds of supporters, raising funds for innovative projects at the Institute for Research in Biomedicine (IRB) and the Institute of Oncology Research (IOR), specifically designed to empower young postdoctoral researchers at the forefront of scientific discovery.

  • 2023 - Camino de Santiago

    In 2023, CHF 16,088 (around JPY 3 million) were donated to the Institute for Research in Biomedicine (IRB) in Bellinzona, Ticino, as a competitive grant for young postdoctoral researchers.

    The call attracted 11 strong applications, and the grant was ultimately awarded to a promising melanoma project led by Dr. Tommaso Virgilio.

    What began as a 781 km pilgrimage transformed into tangible scientific progress, supporting rising talent and advancing innovative approaches to melanoma treatment.

    Read more

  • 2024 - Zurich Marathon

    In 2024, CHF 15,036 (around JPY 2.75 million) were donated to support a joint project between the Institute for Research in Biomedicine (IRB) and the Institute of Oncology Research (IOR) in Bellinzona, Ticino.

    Within the research team led by Dr. Andrea Cavalli, two young postdoctoral researchers - Dr. Concetta Guerra and Dr. Jacopo Sgrignani - coordinate the project, focusing on WWP1/WWP2 proteins, an innovative and promising direction in next-generation rare diseases and cancer therapeutics.

    Read more

  • In 2023, I walked 781 kilometers from Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port to Santiago de Compostela, and over 160 people turned that solo journey into the first edition of Cammino per la Speranza, supporting cancer research one step at a time.

  • In 2024, I ran my first-ever marathon at the Zurich Marathon, and over 80 private supporters and companies turned that personal milestone into the second edition of Cammino per la Speranza, advancing cancer research one stride at a time.

Faces of Hope

  • Dr. Tommaso Virgilio

    Postdoctoral Researcher
    Infection & Immunity Lab, Institute for Research in Biomedicine (IRB), Bellinzona, Switzerland

  • Dr. Andrea Cavalli

    Group Leader
    Computational and Structural Biology Lab, Institute for Research in Biomedicine (IRB), Bellinzona, Switzerland

  • Dr. Concetta Guerra

    Postdoctoral Researcher
    Computational Structural Biology Lab, Institute for Research in Biomedicine (IRB), Bellinzona, Switzerland

  • Dr. Jacopo Sgrignani

    Postdoctoral Researcher
    Computational Structural Biology Lab, Institute for Research in Biomedicine (IRB), Bellinzona, Switzerland

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Media & interviews

  • Radio 3i

    Radio Interview
    September 25, 2023

    A conversation with Valerio Ventura on the Cammino per la Speranza mission.

    Listen here

  • Corriere del Ticino

    Newspaper Interview
    September 27, 2023

    An interview with Irene Solari about the launch of Cammino per la Speranza.

    Read more

  • Corriere del Ticino

    Newspaper Interview
    November 13, 2023

    A second interview with Irene Solari, focusing on the funds raised during the 25 days on the Camino de Santiago.

    Read more

  • Il mio Cammino di Santiago

    Event
    April 12, 2024

    A conversation with Nina Buffi that brought together over 100 people, donors, and friends, during which the first supported research project was presented.

  • LaRegione

    Newspaper article
    April 17, 2024

    An article on the main event and the first pilot grant at the Institute for Research in Biomedicine (IRB) in Bellinzona.

  • RSI Rete Uno

    Radio Interview
    April 19, 2024

    A conversation with Fabrizio Casati and Tommaso Virgilio about the innovative project supported by Cammino per la Speranza.

    Listen here

  • La Domenica

    Newspaper Interview
    April 21, 2024

    An interview with Andrea Bertagni about my personal journey.

    Read more
  • Live Presentation - Sementina

    ATTE Sementina

    Presentation
    May 14, 2024

    A conversation with Giuseppe Del Notaro, sharing the commitment to support cancer research.

  • LaRegione

    Newspaper article
    June 14, 2024

    An article about the second pilot grant supported by Cammino per la Speranza at the Bellinzona Institutes of Science (BIOS+).

  • Corriere del Ticino

    Newspaper article
    June 16, 2024

    An article about the results of the second challenge of Cammino per la Speranza.

Supporters

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.

    Donate CHF 500 / JPY 100,000

  • A pilot grant


    CHF 5,000 / JPY 1,000,000

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

    Donate CHF 5,000 / JPY 1,000,000

  • Donate easily with TWINT

    Switzerland only

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