JAKARTA - Musician Sheryl Sheinafia and actor Mohammad Daffa Wardana took extraordinary steps this year. The two decided to take part in the 2025 World Marathon Majors international run. Not solely to pursue personal achievements, but for the sake of a greater humanitarian mission, namely helping build a shelter for children who are sick.
For Sheryl, the 2025 World Marathon Majors Chicago is her first running experience. He revealed that his participation had a very deep emotional meaning.
"I ran in the Chicago Marathon not only for personal challenges, but for a much bigger purpose, namely building the 4th shelter for the RMHC Foundation in Kemanggisan," said Sheryl, when met in the Lebak Bulus area, South Jakarta on Tuesday, July 8, 2025.
"Because I believe, every sick child deserves to be accompanied by his family. Every step I take is prayer and hope for them," he continued.
He added that from the start he really wanted to run with the community, but his desire was far beyond that. Sheryl wants to have a positive impact on those around her.
"I was given the opportunity to run, and I was very excited. This is a very rare opportunity. For me, if it's only for myself, the impact is not long. That's why I started this consistently and I struggled," he said.
Sheryl also mentioned her personal background which triggered her involvement.
"My brother has special needs. My mother's life is full of dedication for my sister. And I see many parents who look like my mother. Their struggle is real. There is no need for a lot of theory," he said.
Meanwhile, actor Mohammad Daffa Wardana will run at the World Marathon Majors 2025. He said that his participation was a form of concern for children who needed temporary shelter while undergoing treatment.
"My participation in the World Marathon Majors 2025 is a form of my concern for the importance of shelters for pediatric patients. I want to create a space full of hope and affection for children who are struggling with disease," he said.
Daffa also shared her personal experience during the previous marathon. This opens his eyes to the difficult reality faced by medical personnel and patients.
"When I was in Berlin, I heard stories from runners' friends and doctors about how surgeons had to sleep in the hospital's surgical room. It made me aware of the importance of a decent halfway house," he said.
Not only that, he also conveyed his emotional closeness to hospitals and patients, especially those struggling with limited social facilities and support.
"I live not far from Fatmawati Hospital, and I know how difficult it is for patients who have to seek treatment through the BPJS line. The stories are real. Stopping houses like Kemanggisan can be a solution," he continued.
Daffa admitted that the philanthropic values had been embedded since childhood by her parents.
"Since I was little, I was taught alms. In the past, maybe only with money, but now I have a platform. It's a shame if I don't use it to speak up. Donating is not just a matter of money. With social media, I can help spread messages and invite more people to get involved," said Daffa.
Sheryl and Daffa are two of the 22 runners from Indonesia who are members of the Indonesian Ronald McDonald House Charities Foundation (Yayasan RMHC) team for the 2025 World Marathon Majors.
They will run in four major cities around the world, namely London, Sydney, Chicago, and Valencia to bring the spirit of humanity to help Indonesian children who are battling serious illness.
Caroline Djajadiningrat, Chairman of the Indonesian RMHC Foundation, said that every step of the runners is a symbol of hope.
"We believe that every step our runners take at the World Marathon Majors is a step towards a better future for Indonesian children. Through exercise, we want to share messages about the importance of togetherness, empathy, and support for families who are facing difficult times." said Caroline.
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Funds collected from this campaign will be used to support the construction of RMHC's 4th Shelter in Kemanggisan, West Jakarta, which will have 66 rooms. This halfway house will be a temporary residence for families of pediatric patients undergoing treatment at Harapan Kita Hospital, Harapan Kita Hospital, and Dharmais Cancer Hospital.
RMHC participation in this world run is not only a fundraiser, but also a means to convey children's stories and struggles to the global community. RMHC invites the Indonesian people not only to donate, but also to be part of this humanitarian movement, both as runners, volunteers, and spreaders of positive messages.
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