Post by Cyrille Dejemeppe

When faced with loss and grief, we're challenged to choose how we respond. A little over two years ago, my cousin Justine tragically lost her life in a car accident in South America, just months after graduating from law school. The initial grief was overwhelming, especially for her parents and sisters. Over time, they found a way to honor Justine that reflects her vibrant spirit. Justine was a beacon of inspiration, excelling in sports and working with the NGO Défi Belgique Afrique to promote solidarity. To continue her legacy, her family created the "Association Justine Dejemeppe" to support global social and humanitarian projects. The association's first project was "Maternité Justine", a maternity clinic in Koudougou, Burkina Faso. This weekend was the second "Run for Justine" event at her former sports club, serving as both a tribute and a fundraiser. The day was uplifted by four music groups and activities like juggling and face painting workshops. During the event, participants collectively aimed to run 4,000 laps of 400 meters each. Despite the heat, we managed to achieve 6,285 laps, well beyond the target. The joy of Justine was mirrored in the smiles of everyone present, and echoes in the smiles of mothers and babies at the "Maternité Justine". It was a testament to how grief can be channeled into an unstoppable force for positive change. Here’s to you, Justine, your star continues to shine brightly upon us all. 🌟