On foot, on rollerblades, by bicycle, dancing and singing, the procession will reach Lenval Hospital, informing passers-by about the importance of self-donations (blood, platelets, and bone marrow) in the treatment of leukemias. This march is conducted with the support of the French National Blood Service and under the patronage of the Ministry of Health and Solidarity.
The folk group “Nice la Belle,” consisting of musicians and dancers, will add a colorful, lively, and “local” flair to the march and we will together convey this message of hope aimed at the patients and their families.
Who is organizing?
The Côte d’Azur branch of the Laurette Fugain Association, made up of volunteers from Alpes-Maritimes and Var, is dedicated to raising awareness about the necessity of self-donation through educational outreach in businesses and schools. Every year in Nice, it organizes this large gathering to demonstrate to those affected by leukemia and their families that a movement of solidarity is growing around them to support them and sustain hope.
Why this march?
Today’s treatments for battling cancer depend on the availability of blood platelets and, for many blood cancers like leukemia, on the availability of compatible stem cells (bone marrow, cord blood). This availability solely depends on the generosity of donors. Without them, there is no hope for a cure; no alternatives exist. These platelets and stem cells are irreplaceable for saving thousands of patients’ lives.
This march particularly aims to raise awareness among the youth about the importance of donating platelets with three objectives:
– to no longer make patients wait who need platelets,
– to reduce the average age of regular donors,
– to make this donation a civic and natural gesture.
The march on May 20, led by the musicians of the Niçoise folk group “Nice la Belle” and the presence of numerous children on rollerblades or bicycles, will be a positive, enthusiastic, youthful, and life-affirming event. It is on these values that the Côte d’Azur branch of the Laurette Fugain Association wishes to mobilize all energies.
Contact: Côte d’Azur Branch of the LAURETTE FUGAIN Association
Gilles Dupont Tel: 06 70 94 28 30
email: lfugaincotedazur@laurettefugain.org
websites: www.dondesoi.com and www.laurettefugain.org
