Valentina and the Hearts of Solidarity: Bringing Hope to the Fight Against Metastasis

In November, we had the pleasure of meeting Llorenç Tarrida and Inês Matos from Terrassa (Barcelona), the passionate minds behind the fundraising initiatives “Suma tu corazón” (Give from your heart) and the “Valentina Doll.” Both projects support IRB Barcelona’s Metastasis Challenge campaign. In this interview, they opened up about their journey, their motivation, and the moments that have shaped their collaboration with IRB Barcelona since 2019.
 

Hello Inés and Llorenç, how did your relationship with IRB Barcelona come about?

We first discovered IRB Barcelona in March 2019 through an interview with Dr. Francesc Posas on Els Matins de TV3. During the interview, Dr. Posas highlighted the importance of small-scale fundraising efforts and encouraged people and organisations to join the Metastasis Challenge, which aims to raise €5 M. His words deeply moved us and inspired us to take action.

Why did his message resonate with you so deeply?

Metastasis has touched our family in a very personal way. We’ve lost loved ones to this devastating disease, and at that time, a very young family member was battling against it. This made us feel even more connected to the cause and determined to contribute in any way we could.

Your first campaign was “Suma tu corazón”. How did it come together?

Inspired by Dr. Posas’s message and our experience in textiles, we created small fabric hearts, filled with stuffing and scented with lavender, to hang as decorations. In April 2019, we reached out to IRB Barcelona, and Dr. Anna Merlos invited us to present the project during their Open Day in May. The fundraising team thought it was a great idea.

How were the solidarity hearts made?

The hearts were made entirely by hand and the whole process was driven by community support.
We sourced fabric remnants generously donated by the Ribes & Casals store in Barcelona. Using these materials, we designed patterns, cut the fabric, added lavender for a pleasant scent, and used stuffing contributed by another supportive store.
For sewing, we collaborated with Les Puntaires from the Neighbours Association of Ca n’Aurell and patchwork groups at the Sant Jordi Day Centre, whose members kindly volunteered their time and skills.
The hearts were distributed through local shops, clinics, hair salons, nurseries, insurance agencies, and other businesses in Terrassa and Igualada. Additionally, the mayor of Terrassa, Jordi Ballart, supported our efforts by offering the “Teatre Principal” for a fundraising concert but, unfortunately, it had to be cancelled because of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Despite this setback, the incredible support we received highlighted how, together, we can make a meaningful impact on vital causes like research into metastatic cancer.

Do you know how many hearts you’ve made and how much you’ve raised?

We’ve made 2,800 hearts so far. Of those, 1,760 were given in exchange for a €5 donation each, raising a total of €8,800 for the campaign.

Is the Solidarity Heart campaign still ongoing?

Yes, we continue to offer them every year at IRB Barcelona’s Open Day. This year, we also introduced the Valentina Doll.

Where did the idea for the Valentina Doll come from?

The Valentina Doll came about as a way to combine art, science, and solidarity. It represents hope, the empowerment of women, and the vital role they play in biomedical research. From her lab coat with the IRB Barcelona logo to the bow inscribed with “HOPE,” every detail of the doll symbolises dedication and inspiration to overcome challenges and achieve dreams. Valentina isn’t just a decorative doll—she’s a symbol of research, solidarity, and a future full of possibilities.

 

Do you collaborate with others to produce the Valentina Doll?

No, we create the dolls entirely on our own. Each of the 36 dolls we’ve made so far has required many hours of meticulous work. They are one-of-a-kind, handmade pieces, with every detail crafted with care. From their embroidered faces to their unique designs, each doll is truly special. To highlight their uniqueness, we include a signed certificate of authenticity with each one.

How can people acquire a Valentina Doll?

By contacting IRB Barcelona directly*.

Returning to Science: What was your first experience at IRB Barcelona like?

Participating in the 2019 Open Day was unforgettable. Stepping into a laboratory and witnessing the work being done firsthand left a lasting impression. It made us realise that without research, the development of the life-saving drugs we so urgently need would not be possible. It was a humbling experience and a clear call to action to support this vital effort.

How can we achieve greater public awareness?

Communication, communication, and more communication. The key is consistent outreach to foster a culture of donation, collaboration, and solidarity. It’s vital to show that every donation, no matter how small, makes a real difference. As we like to say in Catalan, “A drop of oil creates a stain that spreads and touches more people.” This concept captures how awareness can ripple outward, inspiring larger and stronger networks of support.

What would you say to someone considering organising a campaign in support of IRB Barcelona?

Take that first step. Even the smallest initiative can have a significant impact. Creativity and determination are key to discovering meaningful ways to support such an important cause. Supporting research is an investment in the future of our health and quality of life. It is essential to engage society in the fight against metastasis because together, we can achieve extraordinary things. Every action matters, and we can all be part of the change.

A final message?

Let’s put our trust in research and its capacity to transform lives. It’s our most effective tool to overcome the medical and scientific challenges we face. Contributing in any way, big or small, is a commitment to a healthier and more hopeful future for everyone.

* To buy your Valentina Doll, please contact us at donations@irbbarcelona.org