Interview with Jann Billeter
What motivated you to get involved with SPOG?
I find the subject of childhood cancer tremendously moving because I’m a father myself. On the whole, though, I think it’s something that’s very rarely spoken about and about which very little is known, which is why I’m happy to be involved with childhood cancer research.
Which personal experiences or encounters have shaped your view of childhood cancer research?
I’ve already met affected families or heard about them from the people around me. In one case it was possible to help the girl in question and she’s cured now, but sadly, a boy the same age as my son died. The toll it takes on these families is enormous, which is why I feel external support is important to the point of indispensable.
What do you hope to achieve from your involvement in SPOG?
I think it’s important to make the public aware of and inform them about the issue of childhood cancer. The overall aim is also to increase donations so that we can safeguard research in the long term. That way we can obtain the best treatments with fewer side effects.
How do you think sport can be combined with involvement in SPOG to raise the public profile of childhood cancer research?
Sporting events are an ideal opportunity to reach out to the public and make them aware of paediatric cancer in a way that isn’t too heavy. Furthermore, sport is important for good health.
Which aspects of SPOG’s work impress you most and why are these aspects important for combating childhood cancer?
The tireless dedication of everyone involved in driving research forwards. This enormous dedication is needed to advance established treatments. After all, we’re talking about a relatively small patient population (about 350 children and adolescents develop cancer in Switzerland each year), but if there was no research, just about every child who gets cancer would die.
Why do you think it’s so important to specifically accommodate the needs of children and adolescents with cancer by pursuing dedicated research paths?
Children and adolescents have different needs to adults. The people at SPOG have shown me the crucial importance of researching appropriate treatment options. There are different types of cancer and we want to be able to cure more children and adolescents and minimise side effects and complications. That means ensuring access to the latest scientific findings and international expertise.
How can people who feel inspired by SPOG’s work support the organisation and get involved?
Just talking and sharing information about SPOG and its work in your personal networks and on social media is already very helpful. There is also the option of taking part in events and campaigns to develop your own awareness of the subject and obtain more information. Of course donations – money that goes straight into research – help too. Perhaps there is also the opportunity to organise fundraising, for example with a charity golf tournament. I would be happy to participate in that.
