Aruban student Juan Villarraga recently participated in the international Roparun relay race, covering over 530 kilometers from Paris to Rotterdam to raise funds for cancer patients. The event, which took place from Saturday, May 23, to Monday, May 25, aims to improve the quality of life for those suffering from cancer.
Villarraga, who is currently in his third year of MBO 4 CIOS studies in Arnhem, joined a student team for the challenging physical event. The team began their journey at 2:00 a.m. on Saturday and arrived at their destination at 1:13 a.m. on Monday. The group completed the total of 47 hours of continuous effort with only 13 minutes of collective rest, while Juan personally managed a maximum of five hours of sleep throughout the challenge.
Roparun is an international benefit event focused on palliative care, with the motto: “Adding life to days, where no more days can be added to life.” Funds collected during the run are used to finance essential medical materials, emotional support, wigs, workshops, and adapted vacations for patients. “The experience was much more than a physical challenge. We ran for a great goal: giving hope and support to people with cancer and their families,” Juan stated.
For Villarraga, the participation represents both a sporting achievement and an act of solidarity. As a young Aruban studying abroad, he hopes to inspire other youth on the island to contribute to meaningful causes. “I am proud to be able to represent Aruba in an initiative that combines perseverance, teamwork, and compassion for others,” Juan said.
