The charity memecoin $MIRA became a sensation in the crypto space, raising over a million dollars for rare brain tumor research.
The Story Behind $MIRA
In September 2024, Siqi Chen, founder of Runway, announced a personal tragedy: his 4-year-old daughter, Mira, was diagnosed with craniopharyngioma, a rare brain tumor. Following a successful surgery, he called for donations to children's brain tumor research. This led to the creation of the $MIRA memecoin on the Solana blockchain, becoming the center of fundraising efforts.
How $MIRA Took Off
An anonymous X user, Waddles, created the $MIRA token and sent half the supply to Chen, rallying the Solana community to support the cause. The memecoin quickly gained traction, with traders joining in. Chen pledged to donate all funds to research at the Hankinson Lab at the University of Colorado, maintaining transparency by liquidating 1% of his holdings daily and sharing updates online.
Unprecedented Growth and Aftermath
The $MIRA token’s value soared, peaking at a $80 million market cap with volumes over $100 million. Despite a later drop, stabilizing around $20 million, the funds raised surpassed expectations. The community celebrated the initiative, recognizing the potential of memecoins for social good.
The $MIRA project illustrated how cryptocurrencies can power charitable initiatives, raising substantial funds for a vital cause. The community's engagement highlighted the potential of memecoins in the social sphere.