ZAG Foundation, the charitable division of global independent animation studio ZAG, is partnering with Dr. Alain Toledano’s Institute Rafaël to provide free non-medical cancer care to children in a nurturing, supportive and uplifting environment with age-appropriate activities. These therapies aim to provide support and promote healing well-being beyond medical interventions alone. The first launch will be focused at the Paris headquarters in 2025, with plans for locations in several other countries over the next five years. The announcement was made by Jeremy Zag, Founder and CEO, ZAG, and Dr. Alain Toledano, co-founder of Institute Rafaël.
Institute Rafaël provides an integrative approach to medicine for people with cancer. While modern oncology has become increasingly effective, patients need support to heal and restore their health. The Institute therefore takes a holistic approach to healing, with a focus on emotional health and nutrition as patients look towards the future and a return to their social lives. Dr. Toledano has a broad professional career, becoming a senior oncology doctor at the American Hospital of Paris in 2008. He is recognized in his discipline by the French National Authority for Health and the French National Cancer Institute; and since 2012, he has chaired the Medical Council of the Institut d’Oncologie des Hauts de Seine Nord. In 2013, by presidential decree, he was honored with the rank of Knight of the National Order of Merit.
In partnership with ZAG, an entire floor of the Paris-based Institute Rafaël will be dedicated to the free non-medical care of children with cancer, including psychology and psychotherapy, as well as nutritional guidance and other therapies such as acupuncture and massage, and other programs that focus on enhancing quality of life and overall. Additionally, the program will provide play therapy, art therapy, and musical therapy, providing children with themed activities and exclusive custom content to promote their emotional well-being which will be tailored to support them through every step of their treatment to help them face the unknown. These include cosplay, toys, arts and crafts, storytelling and reading, entertainment, and interactive games. Some of the activities will be based on ZAG’s original IP, including the globally popular brand Miraculous™, an uplifting superhero property, which at its core features storytelling that encourages children to believe in themselves and find their true power; Ghostforce™, a CG-animated cinematic adventure series in which three kids harness secret superpowers to fight the ghosts of New York; and Melody, an animated feature starring the voice talent of singer, songwriter, and actress Katy Perry about the power of music and speaking your own voice. Additionally, every child across the globe who has been diagnosed with cancer will receive a special doll for fun play.
“It has been one of our biggest dreams at the ZAG Foundation to be able to provide support for children and their parents who are struggling with illness, and we are so proud that this project is going to be a reality in partnership with the tremendously accomplished Dr. Toledano and Institute Rafaël,” commented Jeremy Zag. “Our hope is that together we can provide hope for families dealing with extraordinary situations through free holistic care and entertainment that is inspirational and empowering.”
Dr. Alain Toledano stated: “It is devastating for families when a child receives a life-threatening or terminal illness diagnosis, and an added burden is the financial cost. By partnering with the ZAG Foundation in this new initiative, we will not only be able to provide free holistic cancer care to hundreds of children, but also address issues of emotional health by offering opportunities for them to feel engaged, entertained, and purposeful as they start their healing process.”