Running for Something Bigger Than Myself

This Sunday, I’ll be running in the İş Bankası Half Marathon. It’s not just another race for me. It’s part of a journey that will continue in November, when I plan to run my first full marathon.

But more importantly, I’m running for KAÇUV — Kanserli Çocuklara Umut Vakfı — an organization that supports children with cancer and their families throughout incredibly difficult times.

When I was younger, I went through two surgeries myself. Still, I remember just enough of that time to understand how overwhelming hospitals can feel, especially for a child. The uncertainty, the environment, the sense of not fully understanding what’s happening around you.

That’s one of the reasons this cause feels personal to me.

KAÇUV does something very meaningful: they try to make that difficult journey a little less heavy. They provide accommodation near hospitals for families who come from different cities, offer psychological and social support, and most importantly, remind children that they are not alone.

Running has always been an important part of my life through sports, especially basketball. But this time, running feels different. Every kilometer has a purpose beyond just finishing the race.

If you’d like to support this cause, I’ve opened a donation page linked to my run. Any contribution, big or small, can make a real difference in a child’s life. https://ipk.adimadim.org/kampanya/CC144839#payment-bkm-section

Thank you for being part of this with me.