My name is Esther Kim and I was born and raised in Florida but currently live in Dallas, Texas with my boyfriend and 2 cats. Growing up I was never really active or played any sports however after making one promise with a couple friends to train for a half marathon in January 2024, I have now caught the running bug!

I run for Shoe4Africa in honor of my parents who both lost their lives to cancer. My father passed away on August 30, 2024 due to liver cancer and my mother most recently passed on July 11, 2025 due to lung cancer. They both fought for as long as they could with multiple rounds of chemotherapy, radiation and countless medication while also regularly meeting with their team of doctors.

Shoe4Africa’s goal in raising funds to build the first children’s cancer hospital in Sub-Saharan Africa resonates with me because of what I went through with my parents. Everyone deserves a fighting chance against this disease with the support of the best doctors and specialists, and a place to receive this treatment.