Trelleborg Wheel Systems joined forces with Spanish goalkeeper, Santi Cañizares, the El Sueño de Vicky Foundation and oncologist Dr Felisa Vázquez for a festive “Christmas Match” to raise awareness and funds for juvenile cancer research.
Trelleborg Helps Facilitate a Special Match for Two Football Fans
With Cañizares posting “The Christmas Match” to his 150,000 followers on YouTube, visitors from around the world can see the two young cancer patients, Daniela and Iván, cheered from the rafters by their families and supporters for the special football event.
Supported by top coaches, oncologists and physicians represented by Dr Felisa Vázquez and Laura García, President of the El Sueño de Vicky Cancer Research Foundation, aided with technical assistance from Trelleborg, Daniela enjoyed a special “dribbling” task. This was in part thanks to a genetic sequencing machine donated by El Sueño de Vicky to the Niño Jesus Hospital in Madrid, Spain. The machine technology is working to discover a gene blocking drug capable of eliminating her brain tumour.
Iván, on the other hand, was the first child to receive one of 60 remote-controlled toy tractors donated by Trelleborg to the foundation this Christmas. These will be gifted to now cancer-free patients at other oncological hospitals in Spain. He also received top tips from Cañizares, who said of the event, “Throughout my career, I have been blessed to play many games, a part of life that many of these children will sadly miss out on. But nothing I’ve ever done is as important as defeating the rival that children with cancer face. El Sueño de Vicky needs all of us playing ‘offense’ positions through donations and research as passionate fans of these kids worldwide.”
The El Sueño de Vicky (Vicky’s Dream) Foundation works to raise funds for childhood cancer research. Founder Laura García was grateful for all Cañizares and Trelleborg did to make this event a reality, commenting: “Without proper research, there is no possibility of finding a cure. It takes everyone – and we’re extremely grateful to Santi Cañizares and Trelleborg for this initiative, which will help us gain visibility for our cause. We hope people watch and share Santi’s video to help all our little ones win this hard-fought match against juvenile cancer.”
“We know our involvement is but one tiny grain of sand, but just seeing the smile across Iván’s face, and knowing that other children will light up, too, makes it all worthwhile,” explained Ramón Martínez, Country Manager for Spain and Portugal at Trelleborg Wheel Systems. Concluding on the happy day, he added, We’re proud to join Vicky’s Dream Foundation and its ambassador, Santi Cañizares, in supporting their cause and playing our part in accelerating the end of this cruel disease.”
