Golden September: A 
Month of Action Against Childhood Cancers 

Pediatric cancers encompass a wide range of rare diseases that affect approximately 2,500 children and adolescents each year in France. Despite therapeutic advances in recent years—which have led to an 80% cure rate—500 children and adolescents still die from cancer each year in France, and 6,000 across Europe. Cancer thus remains the leading cause of death from disease among children over one year of age. Among children who have been cured, two out of three suffer from irreversible long-term complications.

The complexity and rarity of pediatric cancers require dedicated, high-level research. To raise awareness, mobilize support, and develop initiatives to cure more childhood cancers and improve treatment outcomes, Gustave Roussy launched the “Septembre en or” (Golden September) movement in France in 2016, symbolized by a gold ribbon.

Each year, the month of September provides an opportunity for the Institute and its donors, sponsors, associations, and partners to raise funds for research through ambitious philanthropic campaigns, as well as through solidarity events organized throughout France, such as the “Goûter en or.” These various initiatives help raise public awareness about pediatric cancers and their specific needs.

Ways to Get Involved

In September or throughout the year, there are several ways to support the fight against pediatric cancers.

• Support research to ensure every child receives appropriate treatment. By making a donation—no matter how large or small—you can support research teams by giving them the resources to cure childhood cancer in the 21st century.
• Support the department through the many initiatives carried out daily within the pediatric department at Gustave Roussy. It is thanks to this collective effort that we can offer children moments of joy and respite.
• Take action to show solidarity by organizing an event with friends, family, or your company—such as a raffle or a charity after-work gathering—or by starting an online fundraiser dedicated to childhood cancer research. You can also take on a sporting challenge (marathon, half-marathon, etc.) with a Gustave Roussy charity race bib.
• Organize a customized event with the support of the teams from Gustave Roussy’s Philanthropy Department: mecenat@gustaveroussy.fr.

Child Cancer Care at Gustave Roussy

Gustave Roussy has long been a key player in the fight against childhood and adolescent cancers. In fact, France’s first pediatric oncology department was founded at the Institute in 1950. Today, the Department of Pediatric and Adolescent Oncology is headed by Dr. Christelle Dufour. The patients treated are between 0 and 20 years old and have been diagnosed with a solid tumor or lymphoma.

In addition to its clinical care activities, the Institute conducts ambitious research programs, leading to tangible advances for young patients. For example, the only research team entirely dedicated to pediatric gliomas is based at Gustave Roussy.

By unraveling the biology of each tumor, researchers aim to develop new molecules and therapies for young patients who have reached a therapeutic dead end. The goal? To continually defy prognoses and cure 100% of children and adolescents.

To meet this challenge, support from the general public and donors is essential. Cutting-edge research requires considerable resources: funding for innovative programs, recruiting researchers, purchasing high-tech equipment, and launching clinical trials. These projects, often too innovative to be supported by traditional public funding, cannot get off the ground without philanthropy. It is thanks to this collective commitment that researchers can turn hope into tangible progress.