UNYP Alumna Completes the Athens Marathon for a Better Chance at Life

When Věra Kohoutová crossed the finish line of the Athens Authentic Marathon, she wasn’t just running for herself;​​ she was running for all patients fighting multiple myeloma, the second most common blood-cell cancer in the Czech Republic.

For Věra, a proud UNYP alumna and passionate runner, the marathon held deep symbolic significance. At 42 years old, she ran 42 kilometers in the 42nd edition of the Athens Marathon. “It’s like magic,” she said before the race. “Running the authentic marathon from Marathon to Athens feels incredibly special.” The number 42, repeated three times, became a symbol of purpose and hope, inspiring people to do something meaningful.

In memory of her father, who lost his battle with multiple myeloma, Věra decided to turn her run into a charity fundraiser. Through her campaign on Donio.cz, titled A Better Chance at Life for Patients with Multiple Myeloma, she set out to raise CZK 42,000 to support the Czech Myeloma Group, a non-profit research organization developing an innovative CAR-T cell therapy. This treatment represents a vital opportunity for patients to live longer and better lives, a breakthrough that could redefine care for those affected by this disease, of whom only around 30% currently live beyond ten years after diagnosis.

The support for Věra’s campaign was overwhelming, and the original goal of CZK 42,000 was reached even before the marathon took place. “The response was incredible,” she said. “Because the cost of the new medication is around 200,000 CZK, I decided to increase the target amount.” What moved her most, however, were the many heartfelt messages she received from families personally affected by multiple myeloma, expressing gratitude and solidarity.

Věra’s inspiration came partly from the UNYP Alumni gatherings, where she often heard about the successes of other graduates. “I used to ask myself what I had achieved,” she said. “Now I have the feeling that I can do something, and when people come together, they can do more.”

How to Join Her Mission

Věra invites everyone to help continue the momentum she started in Athens.

• Donate to her campaign on Donio.cz.
• Share her story to raise awareness about multiple myeloma and the hope that medical innovation can bring.
• Support the Czech Myeloma Group and other research efforts that strive to give patients a better chance at life.

As she says, “Even the smallest contribution gives great hope.”

We are proud of Věra’s compassion, courage, and determination, which demonstrate that one person’s actions can create meaningful change and inspire many others to follow.