Running to Build a Children’s Cancer Hospital

Running for Something Bigger Than a Finish Line

I’ll be running the Cape Town Marathon 2027 as a member of the Shoe4Africa team.

While I love marathon running, this race is about much more than earning another medal. I’m running to help Shoe4Africa build the first dedicated children’s cancer hospital in Sub-Saharan Africa.

As an anesthesiologist, I’ve seen firsthand how access to specialized medical care can change lives. Every child deserves the opportunity to receive lifesaving treatment, regardless of where they are born.

Today, children with cancer in many parts of the world have access to specialized hospitals and excellent care. In much of Sub-Saharan Africa, however, there is still no dedicated children’s cancer hospital, leaving countless families without the specialized treatment their children need. Shoe4Africa is working to change that.

For many families, this gap in care is devastatingly real. Imagine a young child in rural Kenya diagnosed with leukemia—her parents travel for days to reach the nearest hospital, only to find there are no pediatric oncology specialists or the medications she needs. With limited options, they are forced to return home, knowing that a treatable illness elsewhere may become a death sentence simply because of where she was born.

Running has taught me that meaningful goals require commitment, perseverance, and the support of a community. My goal is to raise $2,500 to help make this hospital a reality.

Whether you choose to donate, share this page, or simply cheer me on during training, thank you for being part of this journey.

Together, we can make every mile count.

-Imma