Walk for Children with Rheumatic Diseases
From August 27, Professor Michael Hofer, his wife Marie and their dog Taiga will walk 300 km along the Via Francigena in 16 stages. Their mission: to fund physician training and give pediatric rheumatologists, wherever they're based, the expertise they need, so that every child, anywhere, receives proper diagnosis and treatment.
Join Michael's journey and make every kilometer count.
Every Kilometers counts
Walk alongside Michael and support pediatric rheumatology worldwide
Michael's journey is more than a personal challenge; it is a response to a critical global need. Pediatric rheumatology remains a small, under-resourced field in most parts of the world. Every donation helps close this gap by training more physicians and connecting them across borders.
Sponsoring Michael's walk contributes to education, collaboration and vital knowledge sharing among pediatric rheumatologists around the world, from trainees to specialists, wherever they're based.
Choose your commitment
€0.10 per km
≈ €30 for the full journey
A meaningful contribution that supports the JIR network and helps bring awareness to pediatric rheumatic diseases.
€0.25 per km
≈ €75 for the full journey
Helps support participation of a student or a physician from a low-resource country in the JIR Winter School, making international education more accessible.
€0.50 per km
≈ €150 for the full journey
Supports international educational activities that connect physicians and strengthen pediatric rheumatology worldwide.
€1 per km
≈ €300 for the full journey
Helps support advanced learning opportunities, including JIR Clinical Case Discussions with international experts.
Why this walk
For over 30 years, Professor Michael Hofer has dedicated his life to improving care for children with rheumatic diseases.
Formerly the head of the Pediatric Rheumatology Unit at Lausanne University Hospital, Michael is the founder of the JIR Cohort and the Fondation Rhumatismes Enfants Suisse, and currently chairs JIR CliPS. Through initiatives like the JIR Academy and the Winter School, he has trained physicians and students from roughly 80 countries.
That's the same mission behind this walk: making sure a child anywhere can be seen by a doctor who knows how to recognize and treat a rare rheumatic condition.
Together with his wife Marie, a former nurse who has always shared his passion for caring for others, and accompanied by their dog Taiga (well known to many participants of JIR educational activities), Michael is combining two of his passions: nature and simple adventures, with his mission of improving healthcare for children.
Through his international career, Michael has been recognized not only for his expertise but also for his unique ability to bring people together in a spirit of friendship, generosity, and collaboration.
This walk along the Via Francigena is another way to connect people, inspire the next generation of pediatric rheumatologists and support better care for children worldwide.
Follow the Journey (Starts 27 August 2026)
Walk with Michael, Marie and Taiga
Follow their progress along the Via Francigena and discover the landscapes, encounters and milestones of this special journey.
DONATE
Raise awareness about Michael’s Walk and help us reach more people.
Help us spread the word
Display the flyer in your hospital, clinic, or patients’ waiting room, share it with your colleagues and networks, and help support better care for children with rare rheumatic diseases worldwide.
Download the campaign materials or request printed copies:
Thank You for Walking Alongside Us !
Every kilometer Michael and Marie trek brings us closer to training another physician and ensuring another child receives the care they need. Thank you for being an essential part of this journey.