Pastor Olivier Bala will run the Boston Marathon to support families undergoing hospital treatment
Pastor Olivier Bala, a native of the island of Brava who currently lives in the United States, has announced on his social networks that he will be taking part in the 2026 edition of the Boston Marathon with a charitable aim: to raise funds to support families facing long periods of hospitalization for a loved one.
In the message shared with his followers, Olivier Bala explained the motivation behind the initiative. "On April 20, 2026 I will run the Boston Marathon... I always run with a purpose. This year I want to raise money for the Ronald McDonald House Charities of New England. This organization offers free accommodation to families who have a member hospitalized for an extended period. It's a worthwhile investment," he wrote.
The beneficiary organization, Ronald McDonald House Charities of New England, is known for its work supporting families in times of great vulnerability, providing free lodging near hospitals, reducing the financial and emotional burden during prolonged medical treatment.
To get the community involved, the pastor has launched a symbolic challenge: each supporter is asked to donate 26.20 dollars - an amount that corresponds to the 26.2 miles (about 42.195 km) of the marathon. The gesture aims to turn every mile run into a concrete act of solidarity.
"That's why I'm asking each and every one of you, my dear friends and family, to donate 26.20 dollars to match the 26.2 miles I'll be running. Thank you in advance," he appealed.
Well known among the Bravense diaspora and beyond for his community and spiritual involvement, Olivier Bala has used running as a platform for social mobilization, linking sporting challenges to humanitarian causes.
Participating in the Boston Marathon - one of the most prestigious races in the world - represents not only a demanding physical challenge, but also an opportunity to give visibility to a cause that touches many families.
The initiative has already started to generate positive reactions among friends, family and members of the Cape Verdean community in the diaspora, who see the pastor's action as an example of how sport can be put at the service of solidarity.
With the race scheduled for April 2026, Oliver Balla is now preparing for the final training sessions, hoping that every kilometer covered will translate into concrete support for families going through difficult times.
Whoever wishes to contribute can do so through the campaign posted on the pastor's social networks or via this link.
Olivier Bala's fundraising page for Ronald McDonald House Charities of New England
