A HUGE THANK YOU to all our generous donors, fundraisers, partners, and volunteers without whom none of these actions would have been possible.
2024, A Year Full of Victories
In 2024, Imagine for Margo made exceptional strides in the fight against pediatric cancer thanks to remarkable collective mobilization and promising scientific progress. Here is an overview of our latest major victories.
A Historic Fundraising for Fight Kids Cancer 2024
With its European partners, Imagine for Margo exceeded all expectations by raising €10.7 million as part of the Fight Kids Cancer 2024 call for projects. Dedicated to brain tumors, this call for projects funded eight ambitious programs, including two clinical trials exploring innovative therapies to treat the most severe brain cancers. This success reflects the growing impact of this initiative, which, in just four years, has become a major pillar of pediatric research in Europe. By surpassing the initial goal set for 2025, we are sending a strong message: together, we can go further and faster.
Scientific Advances Offering Hope to Cure Pediatric Cancers
2024 was also marked by groundbreaking discoveries. Thanks to your support:
- Dr. Daniel Orbach at the Curie Institute tested a revolutionary syrup-form medication targeting the NTRK protein, involved in certain pediatric cancers. The initial results are impressive, with tumors shrinking dramatically.
- The BIOMEDE clinical trial, led by Dr. Jacques Grill at Gustave Roussy and funded with €1.6 million since 2014, achieved remarkable progress against diffuse intrinsic pontine gliomas. Several children, like Lucas, diagnosed six years ago with a life expectancy of nine months, are now in long-term remission.
- The BEACON Immuno project validated a chemo-immunotherapy combination for relapsed neuroblastoma. This approach has further improved the grim prognosis of this disease. This new therapy was recently approved for compassionate use in France, thanks to results collected in the SACHA project.
- The SACHA project, a flagship initiative of Imagine for Margo, included 870 young patients and studied 70 innovative molecules. This program, which ensures access to innovative therapies, is now extended to six European countries. Some of the molecules studied have been authorized for compassionate access, providing vital treatments to children in need of solutions.
In 2024, the association was invited to participate in ASCO with a booth at the heart of this major international oncology congress. Over four days, we attended conferences on future advancements and innovations in oncology, networked with key stakeholders, and amplified the voice of young patients. This was a significant recognition for Imagine for Margo, the only representative focused on pediatric cancers.
Mobilizing to Innovate: Hack4Hope, the Success of the First Pediatric Cancer Hackathon
Mobilization remains at the heart of our actions, as demonstrated by the success of Hack4Hope, the first hackathon dedicated to pediatric cancers, co-organized by Imagine for Margo, the Paris-Saclay Cancer Cluster, LifeArc, and the S Foundation. This pioneering event brought together researchers, families, doctors, industry leaders, and startups to imagine concrete solutions. Among the awarded projects:
- TheraSonic, a technology using targeted ultrasound to improve treatment effectiveness.
- DeepLife, an AI capable of predicting the evolution of aggressive brain tumors.
- HEPHAISTOS Pharma, developing immunotherapy for osteosarcomas.
- Vesynta, a tool optimizing chemotherapy doses through AI, awarded the Family’s Choice Prize.
These initiatives illustrate how collaboration and innovation can pave the way for more effective treatments.
Opening New Horizons with the 11th FAST Symposium
The 11th annual FAST (Further Accelerating Specific Treatments) symposium, organized by Imagine for Margo on February 10, 2024, gathered 180 participants from various backgrounds (doctors, researchers, families, industry leaders) at Châteauform George V. The symposium aimed to accelerate the development of specific treatments for pediatric cancers by fostering interdisciplinary exchanges and collaborations. Among the major advancements presented:
- TAG-N-TRAK (Dr. Daniel Orbach): a revolutionary treatment for infantile fibrosarcomas, effective and without side effects, recognized internationally.
- BIOMEDE (Dr. Jacques Grill): a program that achieved the first long-term survivals for children with diffuse intrinsic pontine gliomas.
- SACHA (Dr. Pablo Berlanga): an innovative method to secure access to experimental treatments, now expanded internationally.
Ambitious initiatives were discussed, such as creating three integrated research centers accredited by INCa and fostering collaborations with industries within bioclusters like PSCC to accelerate innovation. The symposium also highlighted solutions to improve family well-being, including our nutrition guide for sick children and a project to address parents’ informational needs. This event, marked by strong mobilization and optimistic perspectives, reinforced our shared goal: a world without cancer in children.
Join us on February 15, 2025, for the 12th edition by clicking here.
Imagine for Margo Strengthens Its Fight Against Childhood Cancer
Imagine for Margo Becomes a Publicly Recognized Charity (ARUP)
The status of Association Reconnue d’Utilité Publique (ARUP) is a rare distinction granted by the French government to associations with a significant societal impact. By obtaining this status, Imagine for Margo’s commitment to fighting childhood cancer is officially recognized. This status attests to the credibility, transparency, and importance of the association’s actions over the past decade, serving thousands of children and families affected by cancer.
This recognition also strengthens donors’, partners’, and institutions’ trust, essential for continuing the fight against pediatric cancers.
A Lever to Mobilize Even More Broadly
With ARUP status, Imagine for Margo increases its visibility and legitimacy with public and private actors. This recognition reinforces its role as a reference in pediatric oncology and solidarity. It will help mobilize more support, both individual and institutional, to accelerate research and improve treatments for children with cancer. With this milestone achieved, Imagine for Margo can strengthen its actions to fulfill its mission: defeating pediatric cancers.
A Strengthened Team
2024 marked a new growth phase for Imagine for Margo. Several key areas of the association were reinforced to better meet its missions. The “Running” team welcomed an additional project manager to energize solidarity sporting events. In communications, a part-time graphic designer continued to provide essential creative input for raising awareness.
The team also welcomed a new fundraising specialist, tasked with mobilizing more partners and donors to support research projects and awareness initiatives. Additionally, a new skills sponsorship coordinator joined the association to oversee and support volunteers, strengthening their crucial role in field actions.
These developments demonstrate Imagine for Margo’s ongoing commitment to maximizing its impact in the fight against childhood cancer.
Awards to Highlight the Association’s Work and Our Cause
In 2024, Imagine for Margo received several prestigious awards, recognizing its commitment and initiatives to support research against childhood cancer:
- Gold Award at the Nuit de l’Événementiel Paris for the Children Without Cancer race, a mobilizing event.
- Gold Award at the Health Communication Festival in the “Patient Association Communication” category for its impactful awareness campaign.
- Winner of the Health Initiative Award at the 4th edition of BFM Business’s Grands Prix Check-Up Santé.
- Finally, Patricia Blanc, founding president, was honored with the prestigious title of Women Leader in Pediatric Oncology by SIOP (International Society of Pediatric Oncology).
These distinctions underline the impact of our fight and reinforce our determination to continue our actions for children and families affected by cancer.
More and More Solidarity Steps for Children Without Cancer
In 2024, thousands of you put on your running shoes to support research against pediatric cancers in France and around the world. Whether through solidarity bibs in marathons, trail races, Ironman events, or local events such as the Asniéroise and the Levalloisienne, your mobilization reached new heights. The highlight? The Children Without Cancer races, which were fully booked this year! In total, more than 11,000 runners and walkers joined this essential cause.
The Largest Business District Proud to Show Solidarity
On May 25, 2024, the square at Paris La Défense turned pink and blue, welcoming nearly 2,000 participants. Over 80 companies and many individuals took part in this iconic race, setting a new participation record.
Thanks to this collective momentum, €437,000 was handed over to researchers to accelerate research against pediatric cancers. This event, held for the first time at full capacity, will return stronger on May 27, 2025. Registrations are already open: don’t miss the opportunity to make a difference!
Children Without Cancer: A Record 13th Edition
On Sunday, September 29, 2024, a true human wave in Imagine for Margo’s colors took off in the Domaine national de Saint-Cloud and in several French cities like Bordeaux, Lyon, Toulouse, and even abroad, in Montreal and Berlin. In total, 7,000 runners and walkers united for this 13th edition of the Children Without Cancer race.
Thanks to the generosity of participants, over 26,000 donors, and many mobilized partners, a record cheque of €2.87 million was handed over to research.
A Label Honoring Solidarity Through Sports
We had the honor of receiving the Grande Cause Nationale label for our Children Without Cancer races in 2024: “Sport, a Chance for All,” a flagship program aimed at promoting inclusion, solidarity, and health through sports. This recognition highlights the unique impact of these events, which combine physical effort and collective mobilization for an important cause.
With each step, participants demonstrated that sport can be more than just physical activity: it can be a real driver of hope and social transformation.
Nearly 200 Events to Fight Pediatric Cancer
Once again this year, Imagine for Margo volunteers and partners made a significant impact by multiplying solidarity initiatives. In 2024, nearly 200 events were organized to support children with cancer and their families.
A Vital Commitment to Fighting Childhood Cancer
Among them, more than 28 events took place in hospitals or outside, bringing together nearly 377 families. These unique moments, often filled with joy and emotion, provided a little respite in their daily fight. Thanks to the energy and generosity of numerous volunteers and partners, children and their families experienced magical moments: visits from the Republican Guard, musical evenings, Christmas parties, cooking and art workshops, as well as unforgettable encounters with personalities like Inoxtag, Vianney, and Stade Français players. Children also attended Olympic & Paralympic events, shared special moments with Paris firefighters, and discovered the Tour de France caravan and workshops offered by BeIN Sports and Ferrari. These initiatives are testimonies of solidarity that brighten families’ daily lives.
In parallel, 171 fundraising events were organized by big-hearted volunteers and partners who mobilize every year alongside Imagine for Margo. School cross-country races, fairs, sporting challenges, and solidarity initiatives. After Paris and Nantes, the Rallye du Cœur expanded to Lille, offering many families an extraordinary day. A huge thank you to all these actors for their invaluable support!
Thanks to the unwavering commitment of its volunteers, partners, and supporters, Imagine for Margo continues to accelerate the fight against childhood cancer.
Two Solidarity Events “Made in Imagine for Margo”: A Surge of Hope and Generosity Against Cancer
In 2024, Imagine for Margo launched two significant initiatives to raise funds and raise awareness of the fight against pediatric cancer:
- Eclair Day: On November 14 and 17, more than 170 artisans and 220 company restaurants participated in this 4th gourmet and solidarity edition. Their mobilization made it possible to sell more than 38,000 éclairs. Thanks to this collective momentum, €98,500 was collected, an essential sum to fund research and support projects.
- Solidarity Tombola “Imagine… on gagne”: On the occasion of International Childhood Cancer Day, on February 15, Imagine for Margo launched a one-month solidarity tombola, involving numerous partners and thousands of participants. With exceptional prizes to be won, this operation helped raise public awareness of pediatric cancer while collecting €100,000. Each ticket sold directly contributed to supporting research, improving young patients’ care, and supporting families in their fight.
These two events symbolize the strength of collective and solidarity commitment.
Acting for the Well-Being of Families and Healthcare Staff
In 2024, Imagine for Margo dedicated €420,000 to improving the well-being of children with cancer, their families, and healthcare staff.
In hospitals, various workshops such as dance, cooking, and visual arts offered children precious moments of escape. At Gustave Roussy and the Institut Curie, theater and art workshops were also organized to stimulate their creativity. Extraordinary visits led by personalities like Vianney, Inoxtag, and Nacks, along with partners like the Republican Guard, the Rallye du Cœur, or Stade Français, marked this year. These unique moments, accompanied by chocolate distributions, brought smiles and comfort.
Some of our funds helped renovate key infrastructures, including the interview room of the pediatric hematology and oncology department at Hôpital Trousseau and the parents’ lounge in the hematology and immunology department at Hôpital Robert Debré. Innovative equipment, such as telepresence robots, was installed to keep children and their families connected. We also funded the installation of a “My Teddy Bear Hospital” at CHRU Strasbourg. This mini-hospital, designed by the Pharmavie association, offers personalized child-friendly care. It is part of the comprehensive renovation of the pediatric oncology and hematology department, including new waiting rooms, a play area, and a dining room.
In parallel, through donations, we funded essential support care services. These included ergotherapy, socio-aesthetic, and psychomotor sessions. We also supported school and professional reintegration projects, organized thalassotherapy stays for young patients, and well-being retreats for their parents. Healthcare staff also benefited from dedicated days to recharge.
Finally, we closed the year with our traditional Christmas gift distribution. Nearly 700 gifts were given to hospitalized children and teenagers, bringing a moment of respite and magic during the holiday season.
These initiatives reflect Imagine for Margo’s unwavering commitment to easing the daily lives of sick children and their families in the face of pediatric cancer.