As part of a strong mobilization uniting numerous parliamentarians, professionals (doctors, researchers, social workers, etc.), associations, and families around the issue of combating childhood cancers, serious illnesses, and disabilities, Vincent Thiébaut (Member of Parliament for Bas-Rhin) organized a symposium on Wednesday, June 4th, at the National Assembly throughout the afternoon, in partnership with the Grandir sans cancer (Growing Up Without Cancer) Federation and Eva pour la vie (Eva for Life). This unique event, held within the Palais Bourbon (Colbert Room), addressed the needs of numerous associations, professionals, families, and parliamentarians, with roundtables designed to foster discussion.
Three main themes, clear objectives, and high-quality exchanges :
- To ensure the long-term viability of a stable €25 million/year fund for research (basic, epidemiological, and clinical) on pediatric cancers . Parliamentarians are united in this. The Ministry of Research supports this. The Ministry of Health is not opposed, but its involvement is still needed to resolve the situation. This work follows the vote, in the National Assembly (Vincent Thiébaut and François Ruffin) and then in the Senate (Elsa Schalck), on the amendment allocating €15 million to research on childhood cancers. This section focused particularly on research into the causes and origins, especially environmental factors, of these diseases, involving physicians, researchers, and experts from patient advocacy groups.
- Establish a €70 million/year investment fund to foster the development of pediatric pharmaceutical startups (particularly those targeting cancer and serious illnesses) by supporting and voting on the bill recently introduced by MP Marie Récalde . This bill, co-signed by MPs from across the political spectrum (Socialist Party, Greens, Horizons, etc.), is awaiting inclusion on the agenda for debate and, we hope, a vote.
- Finally, we must implement the latest social advances stemming from Bill No. 277, introduced by Vincent Thiébaut, which aims to improve the protection and support of parents of children with cancer, serious illness, or disability. Adopted on first reading by the National Assembly on December 3, 2024, it is still awaiting debate in the Senate! This final vote is essential for its implementation and to ensure that families can provide dignified support to their children with cancer, serious illnesses, and disabilities.
The discussions held at the National Assembly, which bring together researchers, doctors, member associations of the Growing Up Without Cancer Federation, families and parliamentarians, have already made it possible to build, in a determined and studious way, several advances for the children and families concerned, for research, care, prevention and for all social aspects.
We extend our warmest thanks to Vincent Thiébaut for opening the doors of the National Assembly to us, as well as to his parliamentary assistant, Diane Virecoulon, for all the time they dedicated to the smooth organization of this event. We thank the various panelists, whose contributions facilitated rich and constructive discussions. We also thank photographers Gilles Dervillez and Lucas Donoso.
This event was a significant and unique moment for the National Assembly. France can become an exemplary country for the many children affected by cancer, serious illness, or disability, as well as for their families.
