Every year, thousands of families have their lives turned upside down by cancer. In October 2020, it was Apolline’s turn, the fierce mother of Anatole. When her little warrior was just 1.5 years old, he was diagnosed with leukemia. After several years of intensive treatments, this small fighter conquered the invisible monster within him. His mother, Apolline, shares their journey, a powerful and moving testimony that highlights the importance of supporting childhood cancer research.
As the year draws to a close, let’s stand by the thousands of families battling pediatric cancers and make the word “cure” their future.
The Shock of the Diagnosis: Leukemia at 1.5 Years Old
It all began in October 2020 when Anatole, barely a year and a half old, started having a fever. Thinking it was a minor seasonal virus, Apolline and her husband had no idea their lives were about to change. “After a week of fever, his condition worsened. We ended up taking him to the emergency room, where he was admitted as he had no immune defenses left,” recalls Apolline.
The initial tests revealed a blood disorder. The diagnosis was confirmed: Anatole had leukemia, a blood cancer requiring immediate treatment. “Hearing ‘cancer’ was like falling off a cliff. Suddenly, we were talking about treatments, protocols… and we went into battle mode.”
The Start of the Fight Against Leukemia: 9 Months of Intensive Treatment
Anatole’s treatment began with a three-week hospital stay. Chemotherapy, transfusions, exams… it was a fierce battle, but Anatole faced it with incredible strength and energy for such a small child. After this intensive phase, Anatole was able to go home, but treatments continued for nine more months.
Through it all, this little warrior never lost his smile or his zest for life. “How can you fall apart when your child keeps playing, keeps smiling, keeps living his life however he can?” Apolline shares. He was a source of strength for the whole family.
In July 2023, they reached a significant milestone: Anatole completed his treatments. “It was a huge step, a beautiful milestone,” Apolline explains with emotion. Today, Anatole is just like any other little boy. He loves playing with his friends, riding his bike, and drawing at home. He has returned to a more normal life, going back to school and enjoying the carefree joys of childhood.
Support and Solidarity: The Essential Role of Associations
During this difficult time, Apolline found invaluable support from the hospital and associations like Imagine for Margo. The medical staff, nurses, care aides, and other parents were pillars in their battle. “We were so well-supported that we felt the urge to give back,” says Apolline.
That’s how she discovered Imagine for Margo’s solidarity run, a way for her to get involved and join a large family united in fighting childhood cancer.
Why Support Research?
Every year, thousands of children like Anatole are diagnosed with cancer in France. While progress has been made, there’s still a long way to go to cure all children and adolescents. “We run for them, so they can heal, and so that tomorrow, a world without childhood cancer becomes a reality,” Apolline declares with determination.
Donations to Imagine for Margo are crucial to funding research and helping develop treatments better suited to children—less severe and less painful. Everyone’s involvement is essential to give these children a chance at a full and happy life, far from hospitals.
Anatole’s story is one of victory, but many other children continue fighting every day. Your donation can make a difference. Support research, help children like Anatole beat their illness, and give them a future.
Go, Fight, Win!
