Virginia Torrecilla, a former member of the Spanish national football team, has spoken out about the profound emotional struggles of parents with children battling cancer while serving as a spokesperson for the project ‘Goles contra el cáncer infantil’. This initiative aims to highlight the importance of sports as a healing mechanism for younger patients. Torrecilla understands the challenges faced by families, stating that parents endure significant emotional pain because they can only be present and provide support as their children undergo difficult treatments.

On February 15th, which marks International Childhood Cancer Day, various organizations and professionals focus on raising awareness about childhood cancer's impact on affected minors. In Spain, approximately 1,000 to 1,500 new cases are diagnosed each year among children under the age of 18, making cancer the leading cause of disease-related death in children aged 1 to 14, as reported by the Spanish Registry of Childhood Tumors (RETI-SEHOP). Leukaemia constitutes the most common type of cancer, accounting for roughly 30%, followed by tumors of the central nervous system.

The efforts to educate the public on childhood cancer's effects coincide with Torrecilla's advocacy work, as she encourages the use of sports not just for physical recovery but also to promote emotional well-being among sick children. Such initiatives are crucial in supporting younger patients and their families, often left grappling with the harsh realities of diagnosis and treatment. Torrecilla's personal journey and her commitment to this cause aim to foster a more supportive community for those facing such adversities.