Interview with Stéphanie Fugain 12/02/2020
Tell us about the history of the association and its actions?
The association Laurette Fugain was created 17 years ago, following the death of my daughter who fought for 11 months against a devastating leukaemia. During her hospitalization, I realized that there were many shortages, especially of blood platelets to treat the sick. These are not found in a store but in the veins of all the citizens we meet. It was so absurd to think that in a difficult illness, only one external element is missing to treat oneself. Democratizing the donation of platelets was a fight that Laurette wanted to wage when she was discharged from hospital so that a patient would never have to face that again. So it seemed obvious to me that we are leading this fight!
We do a titanic job, it's daily, but it's very enriching and it's a very beautiful fight!
To date, we have paid out more than 8 million euros on nearly 176 research programmes.
Can you tell us about the principle of your event which took place on November 23rd at the Maison de la Mutualité?
It was a great first, because until now we used to do a lot of sporting, festive and musical events to generate funds. This time, we thought it was time we organised an event that brought together the medical profession, patients and those accompanying them. There must be no more barriers, the doctor and the patient must be in tune to become a duo! This event has been thought of so that there can be an exchange and so that the scientists can come and explain very clearly to the families what is happening.
What are the reasons that led you to choose the Maison de la Mutualité?
When I was a child, I used to pass through this neighbourhood regularly and the building always appealed to me. Because of its imposing building but also because of its history. For this event I was presented with several places and I immediately chose La Mutualité! I'm very proud to hold our event in this majestic place, steeped in history and which has managed over the years to stay alive and take the right turns. It's also reassuring to say that it's happening at the Maison de la Mutualité, which gives a beautiful image to our event.
How did the organisation go in general?
Fantastic! With my collaborator, Séverine Gounelle, who is in charge of the event, relations were very human. You gave us a lot so that we could settle in as well as possible and the event was a success. The setting is perfect and the Maison de la Mutualité teams are involved, you can feel it!
Thank you also for allowing us to work as freely as possible because without that we wouldn't be able to do it. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts.
3 words to describe the Maison de la Mutualité?
It's a House just like at home, quite simply. You feel at home here and I feel good here, I'm back to my roots!
Stéphanie Fugain 