A giant grey ribbon to raise awareness of brain cancer: a first in France at the Gui-de-Chauliac University Hospital

Le ruban gris géant a été inauguré dans le jardin du CHU Gui-de-Chauliac. Midi Libre – JEAN-MICHEL MART

This gray ribbon, symbolizing brain cancer awareness, was inaugurated this Wednesday, October 2, in the garden of the Gui-de-Chauliac University Hospital, which houses the head and neck neuroscience center. The CHU team and the Montpellier association Des Étoiles dans la mer, partners in this cause, were represented.

Just as the pink ribbon represents the fight against breast cancer, the grey ribbon illustrates the commitment against brain cancer. It now stands in giant format in the garden of the Gui-de-Chauliac University Hospital, the site housing the head and neck neuroscience center. This symbolic installation in a hospital center is a first in France. It must be said that this cause is particularly dynamic in Montpellier, through the collaboration of the CHU with the association Des étoiles dans la mer.

The CHU and Des Etoiles dans la mer, partners

The latter, created in 2019 at the initiative of caregivers, leads joint projects with the establishment to finance research in epidemiology conducted by Dr Bauchet and Professor Rigau. “It is with immense pride that we are introducing this grey ribbon today. After being installed on Place Paul-Bec (between the Polygone and Antigone, Editor's note) where it attracted the attention of passers-by, it is now taking its place and initiating an awareness campaign that we hope to see grow within other university hospitals or specialized establishments”, declared the president of the association, Laëtitia Clabé-Levère, during the inauguration, this Wednesday, October 2 in Gui-de-Chauliac.

A health manager at the operating room nursing school of the Montpellier University Hospital, a bearer of the Olympic flame, she was elected Woman of Health 2024. The association which she founded raises awareness in particular about glioblastoma, the most common aggressive brain tumor in adults. A pathology that, unfortunately, currently leaves little hope for patients.

Check presentations

In the coming weeks, Des Étoiles dans la mer will organize several events. On the evening of October 19, a gala bringing together speakers and artists at the Arbre Blanc restaurant, on the banks of the Lez, privatized for the occasion. The next day, from 8am to 8pm, a solidarity swimming chain at the Lattes swimming pool, to collect funds. Finally, two presentations of checks for 20,000 euros: one for epidemiology research, the other as part of a call for projects that will be presented soon.