BEIRUT, Lebanon – In a moving celebration coinciding with Lebanon’s Independence Day, Coral welcomed young Lebanese cyclist Ralph Khoury to Beirut after his extraordinary two-month bicycle journey from Paris to Lebanon. Ralph’s mission, undertaken in support of the Children Cancer Center of Lebanon (CCCL), embodies the resilience, compassion, and community spirit that Coral has championed for decades.
Ralph’s initiative, carried out under the banner of “ByeBikeCancer,” covered nearly 5,000 kilometers across multiple countries and challenging terrain. More than a physical feat, his ride represented a message of hope for children battling cancer and a call for society to rally around one of the country’s most critical humanitarian causes.
Coral proudly sponsored Ralph’s journey, reaffirming its commitment to supporting cancer awareness and impactful community initiatives. As a Lebanese company marking its 100th anniversary, Coral continues to place people at the heart of its mission, supporting projects that reflect its core values of solidarity, social responsibility, and love for Lebanon.
Upon entering Lebanon through Tripoli, Ralph was greeted by representatives of Coral, as well as over 100 young cyclists and supporters eager to join him in the final stretch of his journey. Together, they rode to the Children Cancer Center in Beirut, with Coral accompanying the group and welcoming them at several major Coral stations along the route. These stations served as gathering points, offering encouragement, rest, and a sense of unity as the message of hope made its way toward Beirut.
At CCCL, Ralph was welcomed by Minister of Youth and Sports Nora Bayrakdarian; Pierre Annouri representing the Minister of Public Health; French Ambassador Hervé Magro; officials from Coral and CCCL; the medical and administrative teams; Ralph’s accompanying supporters, volunteers, and families. The event honored not only Ralph’s achievement but also the efforts of CCCL, which works to treat nearly 60 percent of Lebanon’s childhood cancer cases – fully free of charge and without discrimination.
Ambassador Magro highlighted the strength of French–Lebanese cooperation and praised Ralph’s perseverance, describing his initiative as a powerful reminder of solidarity. He also thanked Coral for supporting the initiative. Officials from the Ministry of Health reaffirmed the national priority of improving childhood cancer care, while the Ministry of Youth and Sports celebrated Ralph as a model of leadership and inspiration for Lebanese youth.
Moving testimonies were shared during the ceremony, including emotional words from the mother of a young patient and reflections from CCCL physicians who described Ralph’s journey as symbolically mirroring the challenges and hopes of children undergoing treatment.
Speaking on behalf of Coral, Marketing Director Valerie Khater expressed pride in supporting Ralph’s initiative and reiterated Coral’s dedication to humanitarian efforts that uplift children and families.
Ralph’s “journey reminds us that the courage of a single person can awaken something in all of us. Every child and every family touched by cancer carries a weight no one should bear alone. Ralph chose to stand with them. And at Coral, we could not remain on the sidelines. We chose to stand with him,” Khater said.
“This year marks Coral’s 100th anniversary. For a century, our purpose has extended beyond business. We believe in being present where it truly matters, and in putting people first in everything we do. Ralph’s mission carried those same values across every kilometer,” she added.
Ralph concluded the event by expressing deep gratitude to Coral and CCCL, saying that the hardships he faced on the road were small compared to what young cancer patients endure every day. He dedicated his journey to the children, families, and caregivers who continue to fight with unwavering courage. Coral remains committed to advancing cancer awareness and supporting the Children Cancer Center, standing alongside every effort that brings hope to Lebanon’s children
