The strength of dreams, the big ones, which make the eyes shine and give wings to the heart, never runs out. This is demonstrated by the smiles of three women, who together carry on the adventure of “Cancersucks”, an association that supports cancer research: Francesca Colombo, Cristina Ronzoni, Silvia Belloni. This year, thanks to their commitment and the energy they know how to transmit, 45 relay teams, 180 people, are participating in the Milan Marathon on April 7 with the association’s yellow t-shirt.
At the origins of this movement of generosity and hope is the story of Luca Belloni, from Bergamo, who fought like a lion against a grade IV glioblastoma multiforme, one of the most malignant and lethal forms of brain tumor. His life left a path of light that many people continue to follow today, with the guidance of his family and friends. Cristina is his wife, Silvia is his sister, Francesca is his friend and running partner, the sport that he was most passionate about and which had become for him – and now for them too – an instrument of rebirth and awareness.
The diagnosis struck like a bolt of lightning into Luca’s life at 45, when his two children, Federica and Andres, were 14 and 10 years old. “They had given him 8 to 12 months to live – explains Cristina – but then he was offered the possibility of undergoing an experimental therapy, with professors Riccardo Soffietti and Roberta Rudà of the Le Molinette Hospital in Turin.” Luca accepted the challenge, but on his journey, after having known the difficulties of the research, he never wanted to think only about curing himself, but also to help other people in the same conditions as him.
With this spirit in November 2014, and then again in 2015, against all odds, he managed to run the entire New York marathon, offering an exceptional testimony of courage. Since the first race he had been wearing the yellow t-shirt with the slogan “Cancersucks”, “Cancer sucks”, created especially for that occasion. In 2016, unfortunately, the disease finally prevailed.
Francesca Colombo, Silvia Belloni, and Cristina Ronzoni generously took up the baton to continue Luca’s work and legacy. They have created an association that raises funds for cancer research and provides psychological support to patients and families. Despite facing challenges and personal battles, they remain committed to the cause and continue to spread awareness and raise funds for important research. Luca’s legacy lives on through their dedication and efforts, inspiring many to join the cause and support their mission.