Events and Campaigns

Upcoming events: Children without Cancer Run/Walk, 2nd edition 29 September 2013, Domaine National de Saint-Cloud, France   Past events: 4th ICCCPO Meeting of European members 24 - 26 May 2013, Basel (Switzerland) The 4th ICCCPO Meeting of European members attracted more than 50 parents and survivors from 18 different European countries, who had the opportunity to learn more about relevant issues concerning childhood cancer in Europe. During these two days many topics were addressed, ranging from survivors' issues to clinical trials. The President of SIOPE, Prof. Gilles Vassal, presented the current situation of paediatric oncology in Europe, with SIOPE and ICCCPO agreeing to strengthen their partnership for the best care and research for children with cancer. Participants have been updated on the different EU-funded projects in which ICCCPO is an active partner: ENCCA, PanCareSurFup, EPOC and IntReALL. Prof. Ruth Ladenstein, ENCCA coordinator and SIOPE Past President, gave an update on the EU Clinical Trial Regulation proposal and legislative issues related to informed consent. Finally, the meeting featured a very interesting educational workshop about the key questions parents should ask before consenting to enter their child into a clinical trial, the role of a parent organisation in medical research and the situation in the Balkan region. The Race of Brave Bikers: 2013 edition 27-28 April 2013, Marostica, Italy After a successful first edition last year, the second edition of the Race of Brave Bikers this year took place within the traditional Granfondo Fi'zi:k race. 40 brave young people from all over Europe competed in a 10km itinerary along the roads and surroundings of beautiful Marostica (Vicenza, Italy). All participants wanted to share a strong message of solidarity and positivity through sport, as they all have suffered from cancer in the past, and could overcome this challenge thanks to top-level medical research and, above all, to their courage. Organised by the Dissemination Work Package of the PanCareSurFup project (including SIOPE), PanCare and the town of Marostica (and sponsored by the Italian social business company Fi'zi:k and Near), this annual competition aims to inform the general public on the needs of long-term survivors of childhood cancer: today 80% of children and teenagers who suffered from cancer survive. However, as the number of long-term survivors’ increases, it is essential to ensure that they can be integrated back into society and live a healthy life, with no side-effects due to the treatment received. Open to the public, a Round Table discussion took also place, with several high-level European oncology experts talking about the importance of an active and healthy lifestyle for long-term survivors of childhood cancer. More information: Photos from ‘The Race of Brave Bikers’ PanCareSurFup ICCCPO