Running For Their Wishes 2018

According to the National Cancer Institute, in 2017, an estimated 16,000 children and adolescents aged 0 to 25 were diagnosed with cancer and other related diseases. A year ago, I was one of them.

In 2017, I was diagnosed with Lymphoma Hodgkins II where, I was advised that I need to complete six months of chemotherapy followed up by a month of radiotherapy. They were some tough months where I had to be strong not only for myself, but also for my family and friends, who were seeing me by the day losing weight, losing my hair and most importantly my lively spirit. The journey was long and difficult. Luckily enough, I managed within a year to overcome all these challenges and received my clean medical results.

Throughout these months, ironically, I was feeling grateful and lucky as I knew that my disease had 90% rate of successful treatment. However, I have met children or adults of my age, where length of treatment was uncertain and sometimes so was their survival.

It was then, where I promised to myself that once I will overcome this obstacle, I will make the most to help the children afflicted from these diseases, but also to return the favour to the association of “One dream, One Wish” for their support and their guidance throughout this journey.

“One Dream, One Wish”, is the extension of the Make a Wish foundation – a charity that helps children with cancer and other related diseases. Their activities are focused on three main pillars:

• The fulfilment of the best wishes of the cancer-afflicted children;
• The economic support of their families;
• The psychological support of the children and members of their immediate environment.

For further information regarding the association’s work and achievements, please refer to the link:

http://www.enaoniromiaefxi.com/enaoniromiaefxi/page.php?pageID=9

To achieve this promise, I have set myself a personal challenge:

To participate in the Tough Mudder UK on the 29^th of September 2018, along with two friends, to raise money for “One Dream, One Wish”. The Tough Mudder, as described on its website is “a 10-mile mud and obstacle course designed to:

• Test our physical strength, stamina and mental grit.
• Strengthen the spirit of teamwork and mutual help.
• Give everyone the opportunity to overcome their fears.

For further information regarding Tough Mudder’s obstacles, please refer to the link:

https://toughmudder.co.uk/

Why am I sharing all this information?

Because I will need your support!

I have been preparing for several months to be able to pass the finish line with my team. This includes daily workouts, proper nutrition etc. From today until the 29^th of September, I will keep you updated with my progress and remind you to donate on such a good cause.

The target of this charity campaign which will continue until 17^th of October 2018, is to raise £1,000 within a month.

Your support and encouragement is fundamental to everyone involved in this charity campaign.

The achievement of this target will not only support the “One Dream, One Wish” association and all the children supported by it; but it will also prove to these children, that one day, they may be the ones who will run a similar campaign and who will be proud of what they have achieved. Just like I am!

Thank you,

Konstantina Karacosta

17^th of September 2018

London