Hi, my name is Laurenz Sommerlad, and I’m running the Marathon de Paris not just for the thrill of the race, but for something much bigger: to raise money for leukemia research.

My journey with running began from a place of struggle. As a kid, I grew up chubby and was often bullied for my weight. It hurt, but it also fueled something inside me—a desire to prove to myself that I was stronger than the words thrown at me. At 13, I made a decision to change. Through sheer determination and despite suffering from hypothyroidism, I lost 20kg, but I gained something far more important: resilience.

Two years later, at 15, I crossed the finish line of my first marathon. I’ll never forget the exhaustion, the pain, but above all, the overwhelming joy and pride that came with achieving something I once thought impossible. It was a lesson that has stayed with me: When life throws challenges your way, you put one foot in front of the other and keep moving forward.

Running became my passion. It taught me discipline, patience, and the beauty of never giving up. These values are deeply rooted in everything I do, including my work as a researcher at LMU University Hospital in Munich, where I’m developing machine learning models to predict rare pediatric diseases. My work is about pushing the boundaries of what’s possible—about giving families hope where there was none before.

But research requires resources. And that’s why I’m running this marathon—not just for myself, but for the children and families battling leukemia. By raising money for leukemia research, I hope to contribute to better diagnostics, treatments, and ultimately, cures. It’s about giving back and making sure others have the chance to overcome their struggles, just as I overcame mine.

Every donation, big or small, makes a difference. Whether it funds a breakthrough in early detection or supports a family navigating the hardest days of their lives, it all counts. And I promise you, with every mile I run, I’ll be thinking of those who are fighting battles much tougher than mine.

Thank you for your support. Let’s make a difference together. 💪