In early 2021, Anne-Laure took her young daughter to the emergency room for tests after noticing a pronounced convergent strabismus. An MRI scan revealed a mass… and so began the fight against cancer for little Maëlle, who was just three years old. Maëlle underwent intense chemotherapy treatments, and today, she is in complete remission. Each year, 2,500 children in France and 35,000 across Europe are diagnosed with cancer. There are now 100 different types of pediatric cancer. Imagine for Margo works every day to raise funds and support research that aims to cure more children and adolescents, more effectively.
As the year draws to a close, let us support the thousands of families fighting this battle and make “healing” a part of their future. In this article, read about Anne-Laure, the lion-hearted mother of Maëlle, and why supporting childhood cancer research is more urgent than ever.
An Immediate Diagnosis and Fight
It all began at the start of 2021 when Maëlle started feeling very tired. Her parents suspected mononucleosis, but a sudden onset of convergent strabismus quickly changed everything. “We went to the emergency room right away,” recalls Anne-Laure. After an MRI scan, doctors discovered a mass. Within hours, Maëlle was transferred to Necker Hospital for an emergency operation, followed three days later by a 10-hour surgery to remove the tumor.
Chemotherapy treatments then began to treat Maëlle. Fortunately, her tumor was known to the doctors, which meant that suitable treatments were available and the chances of remission were high. By October 2021, less than a year after her diagnosis, Maëlle was declared in complete remission.
While the end of treatments marked a huge victory, it did not end the fight for Maëlle and her family. “Now we are in the remission phase, which is very good news, but it is also another phase,” explains Anne-Laure. Remission is the stage of rebuilding after the brutal treatments. Maëlle had to relearn to walk, run, and jump. “It’s incredible to see what she’s capable of today,” her mother says, admiring her daughter’s resilience.
The Essential Role of Imagine for Margo in the Fight Against Pediatric Cancer
For Anne-Laure, the association Imagine for Margo played a pivotal role throughout this journey. The association supports pediatric cancer research, and Anne-Laure believes it is crucial to invest even more in this cause. “We need accessible treatments for all children. Currently, 20% of children with cancer don’t survive, and advancing research to increase this survival rate is vital,” she explains.
The support provided by the association doesn’t stop at the hospital. Even after treatments end, families continue to benefit from the association’s initiatives. According to Anne-Laure, the impact of this ongoing support is immense.
The Resilience of Children: A Testament to Strength and Hope
Anne-Laure is in awe of her daughter’s ability to bounce back after such an ordeal. “Children have incredible resilience. They can absorb and overcome challenges that we, as adults, struggle to even imagine,” she says. Despite the tumor and intense treatments, Maëlle has demonstrated remarkable resilience.
During her battle, Maëlle formed a special bond with Timon, a stuffed animal that accompanied her through her earliest surgeries. “Timon helped us keep smiling and stay positive. He’s one of the best gifts we could have had,” Anne-Laure remembers fondly. This symbol of comfort shows just how much love can help us through even the darkest times.
A Call to Action: Join the Fight Against Childhood Cancer
Maëlle’s story is one of hope, but also a powerful reminder of the importance of pediatric cancer research. Childhood cancer remains too unknown and underfunded. Yet, thousands of children are diagnosed each year in France and across Europe, and many still do not have access to suitable treatments.
Anne-Laure strongly encourages action: “Don’t hesitate to get involved and fund research. It’s incredibly important.” Childhood cancer requires innovative and accessible solutions, and that starts with financial support for research.
Go, Fight, Win: For a Future With Children Free From Cancer
For Maëlle, as for so many other children, every victory against cancer is the result of a relentless fight. Go, Fight, Win, the three words written by Margo, perfectly embody this spirit. Each child, each parent, each researcher fights to reach the word they all hope for: healing.
Why Donate?
Supporting research means:
- Giving researchers the means to develop new treatments for childhood cancer.
- Helping families like Maëlle’s to get through this ordeal.
- Providing hope to thousands of children and parents who battle illness every day.
Your donation is essential to help save lives and offer a future to these children. Click here to donate and join the fight against childhood cancer. Every action counts.
Together, let’s make “healing” a reality for every child fighting cancer.
