Moving Together, Helping Together – The First Rosszcsont Charity Run

On Saturday morning, March 14, hundreds of supporters gathered at the Tűzoltó Street campus of the Department of Pediatrics of Semmelweis University. The first Rosszcsont Charity Run and Family Day attracted participants from across Hungary and even from abroad. Connected to World Pediatric Rheumatology Day on March 18, the event aimed to raise awareness of children living with rheumatic diseases.

While the name is playful, it carries a serious message. “Rheumatic diseases often affect the joints and bones, but thanks to modern therapies and the dedicated work of my colleagues, we can help these children become real little rascals,” said Dr. Attila Szabó, Director of the Department of Pediatrics and Vice-Rector for Clinical Affairs. As he highlighted, the expansion of available therapies in recent years has significantly improved the chances of recovery.

The run started at 10 a.m. from the main entrance of the Clinic. Participants ran, jogged, or walked the 2.5-kilometre route through Tompa Street, Balázs Béla Street, Telepy Street, and Tűzoltó Street—some completing it once, while others did so three times. The route was secured by the Budapest Police Headquarters, allowing even the youngest participants to complete the course safely. The focus was not on speed, but on moving together as a community.

Dr. Tamás Constantin, Deputy Director and pediatric rheumatologist, emphasized that rheumatic diseases are among the most common chronic illnesses in childhood. “If I say that one child out of every 1,000 is affected, that may not be easy to grasp. But if we look at it from the perspective that virtually every larger school should have at least one or two affected children, then perhaps it becomes clear that this is not such a rare disease after all,” stressed the head of Hungary’s national pediatric rheumatology centre.

The first Rosszcsont Day not only encouraged physical activity but also sought to increase awareness of the challenges faced by these children. Many participants travelled hundreds of kilometres to attend. “We came from Borsod County. I saw the announcement online and thought it would be a good opportunity both to support a good cause and to get some exercise,” said one mother who attended with her young son.

Among the most uplifting moments of the day was the return of former patients. National team athlete and Hungarian record holder Dominik Illovszky was also present at the event. He himself received treatment for many years at the Department’s Division of Rheumatology and Immunology. Thanks to his treatment and perseverance, he has represented Hungary at numerous international sporting events and felt it was important to set an example through his presence. Another touching moment came from a young cellist who had also been treated at the Division as a child. “I am very grateful to Dr. Tamás Constantin and the entire team. The period of treatment did not remain a bad experience for me but rather a positive memory. Since then, I have become a cellist, and I truly benefit from the fact that my joints function properly,” he said with a smile.

After the run and walk, the day continued in the Clinic’s parking area with family activities. A vehicle display, arts and crafts activities, pediatric CPR training, dietary counselling, and interactive educational programmes welcomed families throughout the day.

“Every child matters. Wherever we can, we help. For us, it is just a few hours of our lives; for someone else, it means a great deal,” said Anna Farkasinszky, Head of CSR at FTC, summarizing the spirit that permeated the entire day. The first Rosszcsont Charity Run and Family Day demonstrated that the power of community and solidarity can truly uplift one another, children living with rheumatic diseases, and all those working for their recovery. The organizers hope that even more people will join next year—because the mischief-making is far from over.