Lara Miranda Brito Sousa, a 31-year-old influencer and athlete, is preparing to compete in the first edition of the Pan-American Games for Transplanted Athletes. This event will take place in Maldonado, Uruguay, between October 21 and 25, 2026. For her, this participation represents both a sporting challenge and a celebration of life after overcoming cancer and undergoing a bone marrow transplant.
Miranda, a resident of Paraíso do Tocantins, has always had an affinity for physical activities. However, her diagnosis of acute myeloid leukemia, which occurred in September 2021, was a major shock, as she considered herself very healthy. The first signs included persistent anemia, even with conventional treatments, as well as a noticeable decrease in athletic performance and constant weakness.
After the diagnosis, she began oncological treatment in Barretos, São Paulo, undergoing chemotherapy sessions and entering remission. However, in 2023, while training for her first half marathon in Rio de Janeiro, she received news that the cancer had returned in a more aggressive form, requiring a bone marrow transplant.
Initially, the fear of not being able to maintain an active routine was great, as she was unfamiliar with the life of a transplant recipient. This period, however, generated unexpected motivation: the discovery of the World Transplant Games, a biannual international competition for transplanted athletes, which became a personal goal.
Lara emphasizes that her dedication to sports was crucial throughout the entire process. Since 2018, the discipline acquired through running has helped her cope with the most difficult moments of treatment, as she views sport as a 'battle school' that strengthens the mind to overcome external challenges.
After the transplant, there was a one-year waiting period before she could resume running, which only happened in July 2024, initially with the intention of celebrating her life and journey.
Achievements and New Challenges
The dream established during treatment came true in 2025 when Lara participated in the World Transplant Games, held in Germany. Competing in 5 kilometers, 1,500 meters, 800 meters, 400 meters, and 100 meters races, she achieved results above expectations, securing second place in three events. She highlighted that, besides the competition, there is a valuable exchange of experiences with people from diverse parts of the world who have gone through similar situations.
Currently, she is focusing on the next international challenge: the Pan-American Games for Transplanted Athletes in Uruguay. The expectation is to compete in the same five events and contribute new medals for Brazil, describing the championship as something with great purpose.