The story behind Rays of Hope, and the person who inspired it.
This non-profit organization is created in memory of our beloved Christopher, who passed away too soon, taken by melanoma.
This organization is our way of transforming grief into purpose, and pain into impact — a force for awareness, early detection, and hope for others.
We want everyone facing a skin cancer diagnosis to have access to the knowledge, care, and support they need, including those for whom basic healthcare is out of reach.
Rays of Hope is based and registered in Switzerland, but our mission doesn't stop at its borders — we intend to carry out actions internationally, prioritizing the places and communities where this support is hardest to reach.
The sun's rays are often cast as the villain in the story of skin cancer. But we didn't want a name rooted in fear, or one that frames something so essential to life as the enemy. Instead, we chose to reclaim the word "rays" — transforming it from a symbol of harm into one of warmth, guidance, and light: the same qualities we hope our organization brings to everyone we support.
Above all, we want these rays to carry hope. During illness, through grief, and in the anxious moments between a scan and its results, hope is often the one thing that endures. It isn't blind optimism; it's what helps people face their hardest days and look toward tomorrow.
Our mission is to bring rays of hope into people's lives — by supporting them through every step of their journey today, while working toward a future where fewer lives are touched by skin cancer.
Support based on need, without bias or favoritism.
Compassion, cultural sensitivity, humanity.
Honesty and ethical responsibility, always.
Open communication on how funds are used.
Research and data guide every decision.
Safeguarding personal & health information.
A phased first year — building the foundation, then turning it into measurable impact.
Creation of the organization, and speaking with key actors to frame our plan.
Meeting partners and planning our 2027 action plan, official launch, and the start of fundraising.
Our priority actions launch.
Preliminary assessment and impact report.
