Facing Cancer: Joris’s Story, Louis’s Father

Through its Facing Cancer series, Imagine for Margo gives a voice to those who experience the illness first-hand: parents, siblings, patients and volunteers. Today, Joris Moreau shares the story of his son Louis, who was diagnosed with cancer just over two years ago and is now in remission.

“As Parents, Everything Stops in That Moment”

Joris works for the company Périal. Just over two years ago, his son Louis was diagnosed with cancer. “As parents, everything stops in that moment,” he recalls.

When speaking with the doctors, the family discovered an illness they had always imagined affected adults, never their own child. “We were devastated. We felt as though we were losing everything,” Joris says. They then turned to their loved ones, friends and family, so that they would not have to face this overwhelming ordeal alone.

Louis, the One Who Supported His Parents

What was most surprising was where the support came from: Louis himself. Even during treatment, the young boy remained so cheerful that he amazed the medical team. Through his smile, he reassured his parents that everything was going to be all right.

Childhood Cancer: Why Research Changes Everything

Every year in France, 2,500 children and teenagers are diagnosed with cancer — around seven every day (source: Imagine for Margo). Behind every statistic is a family whose entire daily life is suddenly turned upside down.