Charity is one of the core pillars of life at Surval Montreux, and this month our girls have embraced this spirit wholeheartedly — from bake sales and ribbon sales to lacing up their trainers for a cause. Their efforts all came together in support of Zoe4Life, a Swiss charity bringing hope to children and families affected by cancer.
The below article was written by Agnes (Swiss Gap, Russia), one of our outstanding students and a dedicated member of Surval’s Charity Committee. With passion and empathy, Agnes shares her reflections on a meaningful experience that united our school community in compassion and purpose.
Childhood should begin with freedom. With laughter spilling into the air. You’re just a child. And you just keep running, free.
Yet, in Switzerland, for more than 250 children every year, childhood begins with one single word: cancer.
For them, playgrounds are replaced by the empty corridors of hospitals. Birthday cards are erased by chemotherapy schedules. The music of ice cream shops is drowned out by the uncertain beeping of hospital machines.
How can childhood be so painful? That is the problem.
The solution is Zoe4Life. This Swiss charity offers financial support to families drowning in medical costs, provides emotional care for parents and siblings, and funds medical research – so that one day these children will not just survive, but thrive.
And on the morning of Saturday, 6 September 2025, Surval Montreux stood up and ran with Zoe4Life.
Surval Race for Hope
The sun had barely risen over Vaud, but the energy of the running community was already blazing. Almost 1,000 participants filled the track that morning – and among them were our Surval students.
Some sprinted forward with fiery determination. Others paced steadily alongside their friends. Teachers lined the track, cheering every Survallienne with words of encouragement. Regardless of speed or stamina, we all ran with one shared goal: “To run these 5km for those who cannot.”
Voices from the Run
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Merve Yesilmen (Gap Year): “Zoe4Life was a really nice experience for me.”
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Estelle Nugeron (Grade 8): “The Zoe4Life fun run was such a fun and memorable experience and a great way to raise awareness for the organization.”
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Mary Alex Brammer (Grade 12): “Zoe4Life was a great experience because it helped make everyone feel part of a community, especially so early in the school year. I loved that even if you weren’t a strong runner, you could still walk – making it accessible and successful for everyone. It was fun, and it helped people less fortunate than us, which was the best part.”
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Tiffany Wang (Grade 8): “The Zoe4Life experience gave me a new perspective on how marathons work and how much effort everyone put in to help kids in need. It showed me that even a small effort, like running or donating, means you are part of something much bigger.”
Why It Matters
Last year, RunDay4Life raised CHF 33,000. This year, the goal is CHF 50,000 – vital funds that support medicine, research, relief, and, most importantly, hope.
Surval Montreux is proud to have contributed not only through our runners but also through community fundraising initiatives such as selling baked treats and ribbon bracelets to raise awareness and support.