5,000 put on caps for children with cancer at Barcelona charitable event

More than 5,000 people attended a charitable event at Barcelona’s open air museum, Poble Espanyol, on Sunday, putting on caps for children with cancer as part of an initiative organized by the Friends and Family of Oncological Children Association (AFANOC).

According to AFANOC vice president Montse Florensa, the event sought to “raise awareness throughout society that childhood cancer exists,” adding to the Catalan News Agency (ACN) that it is “necessary to be at the side of families and children at this time because they are having a hard time."

The event made people join in solidarity, with €5 caps that granted entrance to the venue, which was fully packed after all sold out.

Different acts took the stage, including comedian Peyu and children’s groups Ambauka, Lali Begood and BETA from the SX3 channel. Some of the most beloved contestants from Catalan music talent show Eufòria also gave performances.

In addition, a race for all ages was organized in the venue by TransPerfect, a multinational language services technology company that supports AFANOC through sports challenges.

Emotions ran high when teenagers and children who have had the disease read a manifesto of hope and support out loud to remember "the children who are no longer with us," creating one of the most tear-inducing moments of the party.

Audience member Irene Sánchez came to the event to raise awareness about the disease amongst her children. “For my family this is a day of celebration that helps the cause. All together, we can help,” she said to ACN.

Her children Bruna and Júlia agreed and expressed that they felt that they helped the cause by attending the party, saying that “children with cancer can be cured.” They all enjoyed the concerts, especially when the Eufòria contestants performed.

AFANOC works at the Vall d'Hebron and Sant Joan de Déu hospitals and in Casa dels Xuklis, a shelter for families with children or young people who have been diagnosed with cancer.