Credits: Cpl. Robert J. Maurer / U.S. Marine Corps.
Revealed by “Star Academy”, the 24-year-old Belgian singer announced her absence on Sunday, September 27, 2026. She would not be able to join the charity run organized at Bois de la Cambre in Brussels. Stranded for more than a day in the Thai capital, which has been hit by severe flooding, she apologized to the families. Run to Kick funds research on childhood cancers.
An Absence Announced The Morning Of The Race
“I’ve been stuck in Bangkok for more than 24 hours,” Helena wrote in an Instagram story posted Sunday morning. This story, which is no longer online, is cited by Soirmag, Le HuffPost, and Télé-Loisirs. In it, the singer explained that she had made multiple attempts to get back, but could not arrive in Brussels in time. She had planned her return trip around this event.
She says she has taken part in the event for the past three years. “I apologize to the families and to their children,” she added. She then reminded readers of how important this day is to her. Her message also included a donation link inviting her followers to support the research despite her absence.
In Brussels, A Race Focused On Fundraising
This ninth edition of Run to Kick took place Sunday in Brussels. Organized by the Belgian foundation KickCancer, the event brings together families, caregivers, researchers, and teams of loved ones or colleagues. With 2-, 5-, or 10-kilometer courses, the day combines running, walking, and activities.
The concept is based on donations collected by participants. Each person commits to raising at least 200 euros, the organizer explains. The threshold drops to 100 euros for children and students under 25. Those recognized on the podium are the ones who mobilized donors the best. Athletic performance takes a back seat.
According to the foundation, all funds raised during Run to Kick are allocated to Fight Kids Cancer program projects. Support from sponsors makes this full allocation to research possible. The goal is to develop more effective and less toxic treatments for young patients.
Research Dedicated To Pediatric Sarcomas
In its September 16 statement, KickCancer specifies that the 2026 edition focuses on sarcomas. These cancers can develop in bones or soft tissues, such as muscles. Their rarity makes it difficult to assemble patient groups large enough to conduct studies, the foundation notes.
Among the supported projects, SPARC is coordinated by pediatric oncologist Bram De Wilde at Ghent University Hospital in Belgium. It plans to test drug combinations on tumor samples from patients with soft-tissue sarcomas. Bringing together teams from six countries, this project aims to more quickly identify treatments suited to each patient.
In Bangkok, All Fifty Districts Declared Disaster Areas
The singer’s inability to travel comes during a period of intense rainfall. In Bangkok, nearly 300 millimeters fell between Thursday, September 24 afternoon and Saturday, September 26 morning, according to authorities. On Saturday, the Metropolitan Administration declared all fifty districts of the city disaster areas. This measure gives local services expanded powers to respond.
Governor Chadchart Sittipunt identified the eastern part of the capital as the hardest-hit area. Overloaded canals are making it harder to drain the water, while the flooding is reaching homes, businesses, and major roads. Vehicles have been abandoned on submerged streets.
According to AFP, authorities prepared one million sandbags and opened temporary shelters in schools. City services also announced that schools would be closed on Monday, September 28, and asked some civil servants to work remotely.
On Saturday afternoon, the governor said the situation was stabilizing. He warned, however, that draining the water could still take another two or three days if the rain stopped. On Sunday, city officials said the rainfall had eased, but the canals remained high. Residents living near these waterways were urged to place their belongings on upper floors.
A Return Whose Circumstances Remain Unclear
Helena’s message does not specify whether she faced a flight cancellation, a delay, or trouble reaching an airport. It makes clear that she could not make it to Brussels in time, without describing which part of the trip was affected.
Helena’s absence in Brussels comes as the flooding is disrupting travel and daily life for Bangkok residents. In the Thai capital, authorities have deployed pumping stations and opened shelters to protect the public.