The year 2025 will be remembered as a pivotal year in the fight against childhood, adolescent, and young adult cancer. Thanks to the extraordinary mobilization of our donors, volunteers, partners, and families, Imagine for Margo has reached new milestones and achieved major advances for research and the well-being of young patients. Here’s a look back at twelve months of action, hope, and collective victories.
Research: 18 Projects Funded to Defeat Pediatric Cancer
A Historic Record in Service of Innovation
2025 marks a decisive turning point: 18 fundamental, translational, and clinical research projects have been funded this year. These ambitious programs aim to decipher the mechanisms of the most aggressive cancers and accelerate the development of precision medicine, immunotherapy, and CAR-T cell therapies. Every euro invested brings researchers and clinicians closer to a future where all children can be cured.
Rallyes du Cœur: 9 Excellence Projects to Transform Treatments
Thanks to the five Rallyes du Cœur organized in different regions of France, we funded nine projects selected by the French Society for the Fight Against Childhood Cancers and Leukemia (SFCE). Among them, three innovative programs explore high-grade gliomas in children by deciphering their cellular diversity and resistance mechanisms, while identifying new therapeutic targets such as the VRK3 gene.
Two projects focus on neuroblastoma: one identifies predictive biomarkers in the BEACON trial, the other evaluates the neuropsychological impact of lorlatinib, a promising treatment. We are also continuing our commitment to the REGO-INTER-EWING 1 trial, which combines chemotherapy and regorafenib to improve the prognosis of metastatic Ewing sarcomas.
Imagine for Margo also funds essential data initiatives: the FRACTURE database dedicated to very rare pediatric tumors and the PREDCAP observatory devoted to genetic predispositions to childhood cancer. These tools accelerate discoveries and personalize treatments to save more lives.
Fight Kids Cancer: 4 Million Euros for 8 Major European Projects
The two editions of the Enfants sans Cancer race enabled us to contribute 4 million euros to the Fight Kids Cancer consortium, which selected eight excellence projects representing a total investment of 12 million euros. For the first time, five clinical trials were funded to accelerate children’s access to innovative therapies.
These trials aim to improve neuroblastoma treatments (ACHILLES/HR-NBL2 and GD2-CART01_EU), develop new CAR-T approaches for acute myeloid leukemias (CARINA), optimize protocols for metastatic Ewing sarcomas (INTER-EWING 1), and reduce the toxicity of pediatric B-cell lymphoma treatments (INTER-B-NHL 2025).
In parallel, three translational projects are preparing tomorrow’s treatments: strengthening immunotherapies in leukemias with central nervous system involvement (CRYSTAL-Immune), better understanding rhabdoid tumors to personalize care (EurATRT), and exploring resistance mechanisms of aggressive brain tumors (SIGBMRRI).
BIOMEDE: Reinforced Support to Defeat the Deadliest Pediatric Cancer
Imagine for Margo has consolidated its commitment to the BIOMEDE program, the international reference trial that has enabled the first patients with diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma, the deadliest pediatric cancer, to be saved. After ten years of support that structured the study, trained neurosurgeons in biopsy, and ensured genomic sequencing of tumors, the association is providing an additional funding of 890,214 euros in 2025, bringing its total investment to 2.5 million euros.
This support accompanies the international expansion of the project, now deployed in 16 European countries. It will cover the shipment and centralized analysis of samples, the implementation of a secure platform for massive data sharing, as well as the delivery of innovative treatments to all participating centers. Thanks to this contribution, BIOMEDE will be able to compare two promising targeted therapies and accelerate the arrival of effective solutions for children affected by this aggressive tumor.
14 Years of Mobilization: An Inspiring Record
After 14 years of relentless commitment, our collective success is measured in figures that inspire hope: 28 million euros given to researchers, 92 projects funded, 127 new therapies tested clinically, and more than 9,100 children included in our programs. This success belongs to everyone: Imagine for Margo members, volunteers, donors, families, runners, drivers, partner companies, and event organizers. Together, you have provided much more than hope to children, adolescents, and young adults facing illness.
Innovation Award: 1 Million Euros to Support a Young Scientific Talent
On May 14, 2025, the founders of Fight Kids Cancer, including our president Patricia Blanc, presented Dr. Joshua Waterfall with the Fight Kids Cancer & St Baldrick Foundation Innovation Award, worth one million euros. This exceptional support will enable him, over four years, to explore new avenues in immunotherapy.
Trained in theoretical physics and then molecular biology, Joshua Waterfall has oriented his career toward understanding gene regulation and studying rare cancers. Since 2017, he has been developing artificial intelligence tools at the Curie Institute to analyze interactions between immune cells and tumors in children. His computational laboratory exploits vast data from international clinical projects to identify new therapeutic targets. Thanks to this award, his team will deepen this research, particularly in cancers difficult to cure like Ewing sarcoma, and explore the evolution of the immune system between 6 months and 18 years of age.
FAST Symposium: Mobilizing to Defeat
On February 15, 2025, on the occasion of International Childhood Cancer Awareness Day, Imagine for Margo organized the 13th edition of the FAST symposium on the theme “Mobilizing to Defeat.” This unifying event brought together researchers, clinicians, families, political decision-makers, and associations around concrete advances in research, particularly immunotherapy in lymphomas and neuroblastomas, as well as the exploration of the origins of pediatric cancers.
The symposium highlighted the importance of better identifying cancer predisposition genes in children through initiatives like PREDCAP, funded this year. Round tables shed light on the reality of caregiver parents and the problems limiting adolescents’ access to adult clinical trials. On this point, progress is real: a fast-track procedure has been established at ANSM to better identify compatible trials, and awareness actions for adult oncologists are being deployed.
Septembre en Or: A Historic National Mobilization
On September 13, 2025, a major national day of mobilization against pediatric cancer made a lasting impression as part of Septembre en Or. Organized by the GRAVIR collective, the event brought together thousands of participants in about fifteen cities across France.
In Paris, a show featuring numerous artists and personalities accompanied the illumination of the Eiffel Tower. In other participating cities, emblematic buildings were adorned in gold, creating an unprecedented national momentum. This unified mobilization raised widespread public awareness, supported affected families, and reminded everyone of the urgency to accelerate research and care.
Hack4Hope: Innovation in Service of Young Patients
The second edition of Hack4Hope took place on December 3, 2025, in Paris. This hackathon, unique in Europe, brings together researchers, clinicians, entrepreneurs, industrialists, families, and associations to accelerate innovation against pediatric cancer. Organized by Imagine for Margo with several partners, the event aims to generate concrete solutions to improve diagnostics, treatments, and family support.
Among 24 applications from across Europe, ten innovative projects were selected for the final. The first prize was awarded to Kindling Bio for a technology helping the immune system better recognize tumor cells. The second prize went to MS Insight for an algorithm identifying rare genetic abnormalities. Hippoxis obtained the third prize thanks to a targeted immunotherapy approach against osteosarcoma. Finally, My Little Journey, which is developing a mobile application to reduce the mental load of families, received the Family Prize from the hands of Patricia Blanc.
9,500 Runners Mobilized Against Childhood Cancer
The two editions of the Enfants sans Cancer race brought together 9,500 big-hearted runners who ran to advance research. Thanks to their exceptional mobilization, 3.335 million euros were donated to research. These solidarity races embody the spirit of solidarity and determination that drives our collective fight. Every stride, every donation counts to offer a future to sick children.
173 Solidarity Events to Fund Research
In 2025, 173 events were organized throughout France for the benefit of Imagine for Margo, representing approximately 1.8 million euros collected. These initiatives testify to the extraordinary commitment of our volunteers and partners.
Among these actions, we can mention the Trail à la Noix, a solidarity race organized specifically for the association, the Boucles du Cœur with the mobilization of Carrefour and its rounding-up system at checkout, the Projet Blanc with the sale of artworks, the Cross Saint François d’Assise where all the children of a school ran against pediatric cancer, the Marathon de la Coupe de cheveux, the Actions école du Pneu, the Antoine Moreau Concert at the Sorbonne, the Marche Gina Ginette, and the five Rallyes du Cœur organized by our partner.
Each event, whether sports, cultural, or festive, directly contributes to funding research and supporting families. Thank you to all the organizers, participants, and donors who transform their energy into hope.
Concrete Support for Families: 41 Events and 600 Families Accompanied
Every year, Imagine for Margo organizes numerous events outside hospitals to support families and offer them moments of respite from their daily life disrupted by illness. In 2025, 41 events were organized, allowing 600 families to participate in moments of joy and sharing.
Among these gatherings, families enjoyed outings to the Republican Guard barracks with activities in the presence of the association’s godmother, days during the Rallyes du Cœur, Escort Kids organized by Stade Français with matches for children, tickets to the Paris Rolex Tennis Tournament, and many other surprises.
Ten family weekends were also offered: five for non-bereaved families, allowing parents and children to reunite, exchange, and recharge together; three for bereaved families, providing a space to celebrate their stars and find support in mutual understanding; and two reunion evenings to maintain connections within the Imagine for Margo community.
These precious moments remind us that behind every fight is a family that needs support, listening, and moments of respite.
Hospital Well-being: 500,000€ Invested to Improve Daily Life
In 2025, the well-being division continued and strengthened its commitment to hospitalized children and adolescents, their families, and care teams. Thanks to the generosity of our donors, nearly 500,000 euros were invested to concretely improve quality of life in hospitals, through a comprehensive approach integrating the hospital environment, daily activities, supportive care, and support for loved ones and professionals.
Improving Care and Living Spaces
Special attention was given to the layout and renovation of hospital spaces to offer young patients more welcoming, soothing, and adapted environments. Among the completed projects: creation and renovation of educational rooms and pediatric day hospitals in Paris, Marseille, Clamart, Reims, and Margency; development of playful and therapeutic spaces in oncology, hematology, and pediatric surgery departments; deployment of the “L’hôpital de mon Toudou” concept in several facilities.
Bringing Moments of Joy and Comfort
Throughout the year, children, their families, and care teams benefited from numerous initiatives: distribution of gifts and chocolates, creative workshops, tablets for artistic activities, magician performances, rallies, and Christmas celebrations. These moments break isolation and create connections in the hospital environment.
Fostering Development Through Shared Activities
The well-being division supported artistic workshops, dance, cooking, recreational or educational stays, and exceptional family days. These activities allow children and adolescents to express themselves, regain confidence, and live positive experiences despite illness.
Strengthening Supportive Care
In addition to medical care, neuropsychological evaluations, rehabilitation, psychomotor sessions, socio-aesthetics, and socio-hairdressing services were funded. These personalized supports play a key role in the physical and psychological well-being of young patients.
Supporting Parents and Care Teams
Because illness affects the entire family, several respite stays and reunion times (Dana Escape) were organized for parents. In parallel, actions were dedicated to the well-being of care staff, including wellness days for hospital teams who accompany sick children daily.
These initiatives, conducted in hospitals in Paris, Marseille, Lille, Nantes, Reims, Rennes, Margency, Villejuif, and Saint-Denis in La Réunion, illustrate our national commitment and the diversity of supported services. In 2025, the well-being division affirmed its essential role alongside healthcare facilities, partner associations, and medical teams, to build a more humane hospital, where care rhymes with attention to quality of life.
Thank You and See You in 2026
The year 2025 was marked by exceptional mobilization and concrete advances in the fight against childhood, adolescent, and young adult cancer. None of this would have been possible without you: donors, volunteers, families, runners, partners, companies, and all those who fight alongside us.
Every gesture counts. Every euro funds a research project. Every event raises public awareness. Every moment shared with families brings comfort and hope.
Together, we have made 2025 a year of victories. In 2026, we will continue this fight with the same determination, the same energy, and the same goal: to enable all children with cancer to be cured and live their lives fully.
See you in 2026 to write new pages of hope together. Thank you for standing by our side.