Faces of Hope

Real People. Real Impact.

ironman Japan 2026
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What is
Faces of Hope?

Faces of Hope is a fundraising journey dedicated to supporting cancer research and the young people behind scientific progress - the researchers whose work brings hope.

In 2026, the project moves to Japan, where I will compete in the Ironman South Hokkaido on September 13 in support of a Swiss–Japanese cancer research initiative.

Faces of Hope continues a path that began in Switzerland with Cammino per la Speranza in 2023, connecting sport, science, and human stories. This marks the third edition.

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.

Where the Funds go

Faces of Hope is committed to supporting a concrete outcome: a Swiss–Japanese cancer research project focused on a young researcher.

The project to be funded will be selected together with the Advisory Board and announced in September 2026. The aim is to support an early-stage, innovative idea in cancer research by enabling the researcher to generate initial data - often a critical step to unlock larger research funding and bring promising work forward.

The Advisory Board contributes its experience and perspective in this selection process, supporting the initiative in an advisory capacity.

100% of the funds raised will be dedicated to this purpose.

Advisory Board

  • Mr. Thomas Döbeli

    Managing Director
    Chopard Japan Ltd.

  • Dr. Caroline Junqueira

    Group Leader
    IRB Bellinzona

  • Mr. Shunsuke Kosaka

    Human Resources Specialist
    Japanese Company

  • Ms. Kyoko Suzuki Marumo

    Head
    Science and Technology Office Tokyo, Embassy of Switzerland in Japan

  • 2023 - Camino de Santiago

    A solo pilgrimage: 781 km on foot from Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port (France) to Santiago de Compostela (Spain) to support cancer research, one step at a time.

    Over 160 private supporters joined the journey, contributing CHF 16,088 (around JPY 3 million), fully donated to the Institute for Research in Biomedicine (IRB) to fund a promising melanoma project led by Dr. Tommaso Virgilio, turning every kilometer into tangible scientific progress.

    Read more

  • 2024 - Zurich Marathon

    From my first marathon to a meaningful mission: a personal challenge transformed into collective impact.

    With the support of over 80 private donors and companies, CHF 15,036 (around JPY 2.75 million) were raised and donated to the Institute for Research in Biomedicine (IRB) and the Institute of Oncology Research (IOR) for a project led by Dr. Andrea Cavalli, Dr. Concetta Guerra, and Dr. Jacopo Sgrignani, targeting WWP1/WWP2 proteins, a promising path toward new treatments.

    Read more

  • 2026 - Ironman South Hokkaido

    My next challenge: my first ever triathlon - a full Ironman in Hokkaido (Japan) - covering 3.8 km of swimming, 180 km of cycling, and a 42.2 km run, to turn personal endurance into scientific hope.

    This new chapter invites individuals, companies, and friends from Switzerland and Japan to join the mission and support cancer research.

    100% of the funds raised will be dedicated to a Swiss–Japanese cancer research project, selected by the Advisory Board and announced in September 2026.

    Support now

Who I am

Hi, I’m Andrea Nava.
I’m a Swiss dreamer and challenger based in Tokyo. I believe courage isn’t something you’re born with. It’s something you build, one step at a time.

Faces of Hope is where my personal challenges become collective change. Through endurance projects, I support cancer research and give visibility to the people behind scientific progress.

My mission is simple: act on what matters and tell stories that inspire others to take their own first step.

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