Ultra Triathlon 4 Cancer

A Challenge, A Journey, A Dream: Help Children Fighting Cancer

Hi, I’m Federico, proud dad of Leonardo, my little life champion.

In June 2020, Leonardo passed away at just 5 years old after bravely battling an aggressive Neuroblastoma.

Since then, I’ve been turning my grief into action — using sports to honor his legacy and support children still fighting.

---

About My Super Son Leonardo

Leonardo is still my daily inspiration.

He gives me the energy to challenge myself, to keep pushing harder, especially now that he is not physically by my side anymore.

I used to call him Leonardino. He taught us to live fully, to smile even in difficult situations, to enjoy every single moment, to always have fun, and to take care of one another. And that’s exactly what we keep doing.

It has been the greatest honor of my life to be Leonardo’s father.

Leonardo loved sports — really loved them!

He swam every Friday, rode his bike even during chemo, spent hours in the gym at the Princess Máxima Center in Utrecht, snowboarded in Trentino, played tennis, skateboarded, climbed… or simply had fun, indoors or outdoors. He was always on the move.

On March 15th, 2019, instead of going to the pool as we usually did on Fridays, we went to the hospital for some checks. That night, we came home with the worst news of our lives: Leonardo had a very aggressive cancer — a solid tumor, a Neuroblastoma.

Our lives shattered that day.

From day one, Leonardo was aware of everything that was happening to him.

We carefully chose the right words, but he wanted to know, and he understood it all. We called his tumor “the ball” — he knew where it was, and that to get rid of it, he had to go through many tough steps. And yet… he never complained. About anything.

He was like a little caterpillar: always moving forward, smiling, and embracing every moment with strength and positivity.

Leonardo faced everything with a rare spirit.

He never let anything bring him down. The roller coaster of cancer didn’t scare him — he accepted it and lived through it fully.

Leonardo made us stronger.

He showed us how to live life even when it turns upside down. He taught us how to navigate chaos with heart and courage.

On June 16th, 2020, after 18 months of fighting the "ball", Leonardo took his final, peaceful trip — at only 5 years old.

I hope, with your support, we can help the Princess Máxima Center and give other children a chance to fight — with hope, strength, and love.

---

 My Journey So Far:

These are the challenges I’ve taken on in Leonardo’s name:

- Ironman 70.3 (Nice & West-Friesland, 2021) 

- Giro di KiKa (Dolomites, 2022) 

- New York Marathon (2023) 

- Full Ironman Cascais (2024) 

- Solo ride from Leiden to Barcelona (May 2025) – 1,600km in 5 days – Raised €5,300

- Next up: ULTRA SICILY (August 2025) – my own custom ultra triathlon challenge

So far, I’ve raised over €25,000 through my sports missions.

---

Why I Do This:

I do it for Leonardo, but also for myself.

Because I’ve learned that sports can help fill the deepest of voids.

It gives me a way to move forward, to stay grounded, and to feel close to him.

I hope my story helps other parents like me — to show that even through unbearable grief, we can still move, breathe, live, and even grow.

 Sport can help transform pain into strength. Not to forget, but to keep going.

---

How You Can Help:

Every year, 600 children in the Netherlands are diagnosed with cancer.

Thanks to KiKa and the Princess Máxima Center, 81% of them are cured — but the goal is 100%.

 Now with ULTRA SICILY Project, my goal is to raise €5,000 for research and better care.

  Donate. Share. Join me.

For Leonardo. For the children. For the families like ours.

Thank you for your support

Federico

Leonardo’s proud dad