Leo Messi, Richard Gere and Alejandra, Princess Dina and Paco Arango join the Global OncoThon to support childhood cancer research

February 15, 2025 – Lionel Messi, the eight-time Ballon d’Or-winning football icon, joins Richard & Alejandra Gere along with global leaders at the Second Global OncoThon, a 24-hour virtual event led by OncoDaily and the International Society of Pediatric Oncology (SIOP). This initiative is uniting medical professionals, global advocates, parents, and prominent public figures in a collective drive to end childhood cancer. This year’s OncoThon is being held on Childhood Cancer Awareness Day, spotlighting a disease that remains one of the leading causes of death among children and adolescents worldwide.

According to the World Health Organization, an estimated 400,000 new childhood cancer cases occur globally each year. However, research funding for pediatric cancers lags far behind adult cancers. With fewer than 30 specialized childhood cancer drugs available—compared to over 200 for adult cancers—there is a critical need for greater investment in research, clinical trials, and treatment infrastructure. In low-income countries, fewer than 30% of children survive cancer due to misdiagnosis, delayed diagnoses, and lack of access to essential medicines. Experts emphasize that early detection, consistent treatment, and psychosocial and nutritional support are key to improving survival rates.

The event began with a heartfelt opening by Her Royal Highness Princess Dina Mired of Jordan, Patron of SIOP and mother of cancer survivor, who addressed participants from around the globe:

“We’re here to transform ideas into tangible solutions, to unite leaders of societies, policymakers, advocates, physicians, and families, all pushing the boundaries of what is possible in childhood cancer care.”

Princess Dina then issued a personal fundraising challenge, inspiring a chain of ten-dollar donations that would multiply through friends and family networks:

“Let’s make a strong and long chain of support for children with cancer.”

Among the most celebrated voices was Lionel Messi, the eight-time Ballon d’Or-winning soccer legend, renowned not just for his athletic accomplishments but also his commitment to charitable causes:

“There are children around the world that could be cured but they don’t have a chance. Please join SIOP to give them a chance to cure.”

Messi’s powerful statement underscored the event’s purpose—bridging the gap for underserved children in low- and middle-income countries, where survival rates can fall below 30%.

Adding to this global chorus were Hollywood icon Richard Gere and his wife Alejandra:

“We need your support. With your donation, you contribute to saving the lives of thousands of children around the world and bring the light of hope to their families.”

Alejandra Gere highlighted the severe lack of resources:

“Childhood cancer… receives significantly less research funding than adult cancer because it is often considered a rare disease. Richard and I want to thank the great work of SIOP as well as the Aladina Foundation in Spain for their daily efforts to bring a smile to children with cancer.”

Philanthropist Garo Armen also weighed in, pointing out the importance of immediate action.

“Let us keep our eyes on the children suffering today who need our help immediately”

Leading pediatric oncologists then took the virtual stage to reinforce the urgent need for resources, early detection, and holistic care. Many speakers agreed that reducing disparities in access and quality of treatment requires broad-based international collaboration, echoed by American Society of Clinical Oncology’s CEO Dr. Cliff Hudis:

“Nobody gets to the finish line alone.”

This was reiterated by Guillermo Chantada, President of SIOP, who emphasized the importance of research for underserved populations:

“Research is not a luxury, it is a necessity in LMICs. We are going to have speakers from all over the world—pediatric oncologists, advocates, members of royal families, famous personalities. Our aim is to bring the whole community into this activity.”

The OncoThon broadcast aims to raise both awareness and funds so that families in resource-poor areas can receive proper diagnostics, essential medicines, and comprehensive care. This unified message was captured by Paco Arango:

“That beam of light guiding us all toward the same cause makes us stronger in the fight against childhood cancer.”

We keep this mission alive—not just for 24 hours, but 365 days a year. As Princess Dina Mired said its just beginning. We still have time to make a difference.

“Together let’s make this OncoThon not just a MOMENT, but a MOVEMENT.”

How to Get Involved

To donate, participate, or learn more about the Global OncoThon, visit https://oncodaily.com/oncothon-2025 or follow OncoDaily and SIOP on social media.

Or Donate now: https://donate.stripe.com/7sI7sG9Lu4ch7XGdQQ

About OncoDaily

OncoDaily is a global leader in oncology media, delivering timely news and updates from the field of cancer research, treatment, and advocacy. Guided by the motto “Cancer doesn’t take a day off, neither do we,” OncoDaily remains at the forefront of global oncology communication.

About SIOP

International Society of Paediatric Oncology (SIOP) is the only global multidisciplinary society entirely devoted to paediatric and adolescent cancer. The society has over 3,500 members worldwide including doctors, nurses, other health-care professionals, scientists and researchers. SIOP’s vision is that no child should die of cancer: cure for more, care for all.