MADRID — Trelleborg Wheel Systems is partnering with Spanish footballer Santi Cañizares to raise awareness and funds for juvenile cancer research.
Mr. Cañizares, a former goalkeeper, recently released a video, "The Christmas Match," on YouTube, featuring young cancer patients Daniela and Iván, led by top coaches, oncologists and physicians.
The kids are cheered on by their families "with everyone pulling together for a decisive victory over childhood cancer," according to Trelleborg, which offered technical assistance "on behalf of companies and communities committed to finding a cure."
"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," Ramón Martínez, country manager for Spain and Portugal at Trelleborg, said.
"We're proud to join Vicky's Dream Foundation and its ambassador, Santi Cañizares, in supporting their cause and play our part in accelerating the end of this cruel disease."
The El Sueño de Vicky (Vicky's Dream) Foundation works to raise funds for childhood cancer research.
The video shows Daniela "dribbling" around the disease thanks to a genetic sequencing machine donated by the foundation to the Niño Jesus Hospital in Madrid. The machine serves to discover a gene-blocking drug capable of eliminating her brain tumor, Trelleborg said.
Iván is now cancer-free thanks to advances in research after diagnosis with a brain tumor similar to the one that Vicky, namesake of the Foundation, had.
He was the first child to receive one of 60 remote-controlled toy tractors donated by Trelleborg to the foundation to be gifted to now cancer-free patients at other oncological hospitals in Spain this Christmas.
"Without proper research, there is no possibility of finding a cure," Foundation Founder Laura García said.
"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."
