Since I moved to the UK,I find fascinating the culture of doing sports & support a charity by fundraising it. I always tried to help the cancer research in some way but was never really sure how to do it but now, well, now I know.

Today, 18 April would have been my Dad's 70th birthday. But cancer jumped on our way and took him away from me. 

Nearly 32 years ago, 31 August 1991, I lost my father because of Lymphoma cancer (a type of Blood Cancer), he was only 38 years old, only - I was just recently turned a year. He left my mum and 3 kids, which was super painful growing up without him, not having him around on Father’s Day, school events, crying because of a school heartbreak, or asking an advice about a man that I like and I want to make it work it out, or introducing them, or eventually walking physically by my side when the time comes, or being a grandad one day, or telling me everything will be alright, or advising me because I’m hurt, or getting mad at me because I messed up ( I do messes up a lot!), or any other life milestones. Don’t get me wrong, my mum is one-kind-of mother, a rockstar! but she is a mum, not a dad. 

As you can imagine I have no memory of him besides pictures and videos that luckily were taken (many by him!) and from the memories people generously share with me. I remember looking into the sky and stars and imagining my dad was one of those stars, man, I still believe it. 

Lymphoma is a blood cancer that attacks the lymphatic system, there are many types of lymphoma. One type is Hodgkin disease. The others are called non-Hodgkin lymphomas. You can find out more here. In the UK over 12.000 people are diagnosed with lymphoma yearly, it is the 5th most common & 3rd deadliest. - Cancer has turned the lives of my family members upside own and scared the S out of us.

I was later diagnosed with cancer in 2013, I was 22. It was a nightmare, and I was terrified because of what happened to daddy. Because no matter which kind it is the name itself freaks you out! Trust me, there is not a worse feeling of reading an exam saying “Cancer – Maligned” ( I remember that moment like it was yesterday),hearing and thinking "everything will be alright" but in reality, we are not really sure until you have actual health improvements. I still have a couple of final tests + one that is on my head since Jan and until I’m fully cleared, even though it’s been nearly 10y, you are just afraid. So afraid. 

Luckily, my type wasn’t strong, and I beat it! This year I turn 10 years of remission! it is the ultimate milestone for anyone that has been through something similar or even worse – it is a life achievement!  I have a birthday celebration that my friends named it as "Mafe Folia" and this year we will have a special edition (I’m off to Greece to celebrate!) , celebrating my re-birth traveling,  loving, giving back and helping someone that needs a friend,  being happy BUT.. I wanted to do something really meaningful for the cause and here we go... I was going to initially only run a half marathon to raise money for the Blood Cancer Research in the UK but now I will do a 70.3 Iron Man! I felt the cause deserved an extra push & effort! 

I want to celebrate my life, my second birthday, my dad’s memory, and fight for other little girls & boys to have a chance to grow up with their father – I would have given anything to have a day with him. A day. 

It would mean the world to me if you could support my cause, life and run (21.1K) by donating a few pounds, euros, dollars, reais, pesos, coins, whatever you can spare...  please join me in kicking cancer’s ass! If you can’t donate, it’s fine! Below are some useful reference pages for you to find out more information and symptoms, checks, support networks and other ways you can support these worthwhile causes. In 2019 I raised £1.8K to Blood Cancer in memory of my father and I hope to raise good value this time again! (..I like a challenge :] ) 

Blood Cancer (Lymphoma & Leukemia) ; Thyroid
Cancer, Bowel Cancer, Prostate Cancer, Brain Cancer & Breast Cancer

The reason I’m sharing this widely is to bring awareness of this awful illness, support the community & research and to empower more people to help! If I can give you an advice if you are having a hard time– this shall pass! There is always a brighter side of looking into things and never feel sorry for yourself or afraid of asking help! Those who love you, will always have your back – no matter what! just say the word :) and I got you. 

Thanks for taking time to read this and for your support! A massive thank you to YOU that had my back 10 years ago, hold my hand and were by my side every single day. Cried when I was not watching and was strong when I was terrified. Thanks for holding my hand even when normal life issues came on the way but you were there, because I matter to you.  

Thank you to you that jumped in my life later down the road but knows how this is important to me and it is today by my side - you know who you are.

 A special shout to who was there 10y ago and most of my remission process: My family that means the World to me, Rafa, Tia Lela, Tia Sonia, Tia Denise and my dear friends Aramis  & Carrot.

In memory of Marcus Scatena