Joseph's Recovery Shows Exactly Why “Run for a Reason” Matters

Photo Credit: Rainbows and Smiles via Facebook

Thanks to a community that chose to run for reason back in September 2024, a young boy named Joseph Matthews is no longer a patient but a survivor and is back at school, fully immersing himself in the joys of being a kid again.

Gauteng, South Africa (28 October 2026) – In September, Good Things Guy shared a heartwarming story about a young warrior named Qhawe, facing osteosarcoma with the utmost inspiring courage.

Rainbows and Smiles shared his journey to rally supporters for its Run for a Reason initiative: a virtual fitness campaign held every September during Childhood Cancer Awareness Month.

Rather than focusing on elite competition or strict physical milestones, the event invites everyday people, whether they are walking, cycling, swimming or dancing, to move with purpose by dedicating their efforts to a child facing a life-threatening illness.

Though the month-long initiative has passed, a happy update from Rainbows and Smiles about another one of its brave warriors has further cemented why this cause matters and the life-changing difference it makes for children who want nothing more than to beat the odds and get back to being kids.

Back in September 2024, the Rainbows and Smiles community ran for Joseph Matthews as part of Run for a Reason. They recently bumped into him just after his clinic checkup – and were overjoyed to find that he is no longer a patient but a survivor!

“A survivor of ganglioneuroblastoma, he has travelled a very long road to get to where he is today,” Rainbows and Smiles shared.

Joseph is back at school and doing impressively well. His teachers have shared lovely feedback about how he has blossomed, settled in and become part of his school community.

“We are so, so proud of him! He is also heading towards those teenage years, when chatting to us old aunties is clearly becoming less exciting! Seeing him growing up and getting on with being himself is such a joy,” the organisation said, while also honouring his mom, Belinda, for being his champion, voice, and constant support throughout the journey.

As part of his follow-up care, Joseph will have a routine MRI in December to ensure everything remains clear.

Thanks to a caring community, Joseph is in great health and in a much better place than he was two years ago. A significant part of that support came through Run for a Reason, a cause that wraps a protective network of emotional, social, and financial backing around children with cancer and their families.

Rainbows and Smiles hopes Joseph’s story shows its supporters what their contributions make possible: helping children through their hardest battles, walking with families through difficult journeys, and, as seen here, restoring health and hope.