On August 1, Donovan Jacobs will set out on a journey that most people wouldn’t dare to try.
Over 10 days, the 22-year-old Villanova student will run a total of 209 miles across Iceland, crossing glaciers, volcanic deserts, mountains and rivers before sleeping in a tent and doing it all again the next day.
It sounds impossible to most people, but when Donovan talks about the run, he rarely mentions the miles.
Instead, he talks about his why.
A Mission Inspired by Courage
“This is definitely a personal challenge, but I really thought of it as an opportunity to do something for a cause greater than myself,” Donovan said. “When I heard Carly’s story — especially the incredible resilience that she displayed — it really inspired me to want to help.”
Donovan is taking on this challenge to raise critical funds for the Courage of Carly Fund at Roswell Park, supporting pediatric cancer research and programs that help children and families throughout treatment.
Carly Collard Cottone was diagnosed with brain cancer when she was just eight years old, but despite her diagnosis, she always kept a positive attitude. She created Carly’s Club to bring comfort, hope and joy to other children with cancer. Her legacy lives on today through the Courage of Carly Fund, supporting groundbreaking pediatric cancer research while providing counseling, educational resources, therapeutic activities and countless moments that remind children they’re still allowed to just be kids.
For Donovan, this run isn’t about proving he can do something difficult. In fact, he’ll be the first to tell you that running is not his favorite exercise. “I do not enjoy running whatsoever.” he laughed. It’s a way to raise awareness and support children and families facing cancer.
Choosing the Hard Road
His journey will begin in northern Iceland and take him 209 miles across the country to the southern coast, all on foot. Donovan is one of many participants taking on this adventure known as “The Great Norse Run”, where runners from all over the world travel roughly 25 miles a day through rugged terrain, unpredictable weather and some of Iceland’s most breathtaking landscapes. Many participants choose to run for a cause close to their hearts, making the journey far more than just the miles.
Every day in Iceland will bring sore muscles, long miles and mental exhaustion. But Donovan is constantly reminding himself what it is all for.
“This might suck, and this is going to be hard,” Donovan said. “But it’s my choice to do it. It is a massive privilege to choose what suffering I do or what challenges I face — a lot of the struggles these children face are not a choice.”
So, when the miles get tough, Donovan will remember why he chose this challenge in the first place.
A Legacy of Giving Back to Roswell Park
Growing up, he watched his family support Roswell Park through fundraising and philanthropy. Multiple family members played a big role in helping advocate for the cancer center throughout the years, and Roswell Park has remained an important part of his family’s life ever since. As he got older, Donovan found his own way to get involved by participating in the Ride for Roswell and continuing the family’s commitment to giving back.
So, when he began looking for a cause to fundraise for, there was never much question. Supporting the Courage of Carly Fund meant carrying on his family’s connection to Roswell Park while helping children and families facing challenges far greater than his own.
Turning Miles into Hope
Donovan hopes to reach his fundraising goal of $25,000, but he believes every donation — no matter the amount — has the power to make a difference.
“It’s never really about one person or one donation,” he said. “It’s about how we come together as a community and do good for a cause.”
Every dollar donated helps give children and families facing cancer something they all deserve: hope. And if Donovan’s journey across Iceland inspires even one more person to be part of that mission, then every mile will have been worth it.
