Thalassemia Survivor Runs Half Marathon to Support a Thalassemia-Free Indonesia

For many people, running 21 kilometres is a personal achievement. However, for Stanley Joewono, every step carries a much deeper meaning. As a survivor of beta thalassemia major, Stanley will participate in the Virgin Half Marathon Jakarta Running Festival 2026 on 24 October 2026. Beyond the physical challenge he will face, Stanley carries a mission: to encourage the public to care more about thalassemia and to support the realisation of a Thalassemia-Free Indonesia. Thalassemia Beta Major is a genetic blood disorder that requires sufferers to undergo routine blood transfusions. Despite living with this condition since childhood, Stanley chose not to let his illness become a limitation. Through sports, he wants to prove that thalassemia survivors can still achieve, inspire, and be part of the change. “If I can run 21 kilometres, I believe we can all take one simple step to prevent thalassemia,” he said. Stanley is not only running; he has also opened a fundraising campaign via Ayobantu.com to support educational campaigns and thalassemia screening programmes. He believes that the sooner the public knows their carrier status, the greater the chance of preventing the birth of a new generation with thalassemia major. “I invite the public to support the Thalassemia screening programme. Screening is not just about a medical check-up; it is about giving the next generation a chance to live a healthier life. The earlier it is detected, the greater our chance of prevention,” he stated. In Indonesia, many people are still unaware that thalassemia is a hereditary disease that can be prevented through screening before marriage or before planning a pregnancy. A lack of education means many only discover their carrier status after having a child with thalassemia major. Through the Indonesia Bebas Thalasemia campaign, Stanley hopes that sports can become a medium to convey a wider message. It is not just about finishing a race, but about building awareness that everyone has a role in preventing thalassemia. “Every kilometre Stanley will cover on 24 October is not just a journey to the finish line. It is a step to voice hope, to invite the public to get screened early, and to pave the way towards a future with fewer cases of thalassemia in Indonesia,” he explained. Ultimately, Stanley believes the greatest victory is not crossing the finish line, but seeing more people realise that screening today can save the next generation.