A Huge Thank You to the Curie Institute's Adolescents & Young Adults Unit

I'm Catherine Scholtes, I’m 18, and in April 2025, I was diagnosed with cancer. Now, at the end of treatment, I'd like to give back to the hospital that saved my life.

Rhabdomyosarcoma affects 1/170,000 people every year. The rarity of this diagnosis should have made it difficult to find a community that understood me: It did not. The doctors, nurses, and patients at the Curie Institute, specifically AJA (the section for adolescents and young adults), have been an unexpected source of joy, laughter, and belonging in a situation most cannot begin to fathom.

Despite the difficult nature of their job, my medical team is always smiling. Our corner of the hospital (of only about 10 rooms!) is always alive with card games, crêpe making, art classes, etc. The money from this fundraiser will be sent specifically to AJA, whose small size means they don't benefit much from donations to the hospital as a whole.

Sadly, there will surely be another teenager who receives a life-changing diagnosis - I'd like to ensure they get the best Curie has to offer. Your donation will help AJA to continue to deliver the warmth, love, and life-saving treatment they specialise in.

Thank you. ❤️