On October 28, we run for Nikolka – because every step counts
The Sokol Run of the Republic is a celebration of movement, freedom, and courage. Every year on October 28, we come together at races across the country to mark the founding of Czechoslovakia through physical activity. Guided by the motto "A healthy mind in a healthy body," we remind ourselves that physical strength goes hand in hand with inner resilience. And we run also to help those whose life “stories” are far from easy.
This year, you can support a brave nine-year-old girl named Nikolka – simply by running and making a donation toward her rehabilitation. During your registration for the Sokol Run of the Republic, you’ll have the option to contribute financially. Every crown donated will help Nikolka take further steps on her journey toward independence – steps that are anything but guaranteed for her.
This little girl carries more strength inside her than most of us can imagine. Nikolka was born with an aggressive brain tumor. It appeared before she was even born and grew rapidly within days. Right after birth, she underwent six major surgeries that saved her life, but they meant she couldn’t start from the same line as other children. She had to be fitted with a VP shunt – a tube that drains cerebrospinal fluid to prevent brain swelling. Chemotherapy didn’t help, but thanks to skilled doctors, the tumor was eventually removed. Still, the treatment took a heavy toll, and Nikolka continues to live with the consequences to this day.
Now nine years old, Nikolka is mentally at the level of about a three-year-old. But she keeps fighting every day. Thanks to intense rehabilitation and therapy – at the age of eight, she took her very first steps on her own. But those steps were hard-won. Every movement, every moment of coordination, every attempt to keep her balance takes immense effort. And yet, she tackles it all with joy and a deep desire to live life to the fullest.
For Nikolka, movement is both medicine and motivation. With the help of physiotherapists, she exercises, rides horses, learns to sit and eat, and recently started riding a special adapted tricycle that she absolutely loves. She enjoys being active – even though it’s far more challenging for her than for most of us.
Her progress is not only demanding for her, but also for her parents. Every stay at a rehabilitation spa, every extra therapy session, every minute with an experienced specialist – all of it costs money. For Nikolka to continue her fight – and maybe even run one day herself – she needs intensive rehab sessions, which are only partially covered by insurance. She would benefit greatly from more frequent stays, and the funds we raise together on October 28 will go toward making that possible.
Don’t let Nikolka run this race alone – sign up for the Sokol Run of the Republic today. During the registration process, you can contribute any amount between CZK 50 and CZK 5,000.
On behalf of the entire Sokol Run team and Nikolka’s family – thank you.
See you at the starting line!
