Institut Curie presented its prestigious Marie Curie Legacy Medal to Academy Award-winning actor and activist Jane Fonda at a gala event held at the Rainbow Room in New York City on November 19. Awarded for only the second time, the Medal recognizes citizens who, through their public advocacy, increase awareness about cancer, a major global health threat. Jane Fonda, through her personal battle with cancer and her dedication to shedding light on the disease, perfectly embodies the spirit of this award.
The Institut Curie Gala, under the patronage of French Ambassador Laurent Bili, provides an important opportunity to showcase the latest advancements in cancer research. The evening, co-chaired by Rear Admiral Dr. Susan Blumenthal, Mr. and Mrs. Mathieu, and Virginie Chabran, carries forward Madame Marie Curie’s legacy of forging close scientific bonds between France and the United States and Americans support of her work in pursuit of scientific breakthroughs that will improve the health of people worldwide.
By presenting this honorary award, the Institut Curie emphasizes the importance of continuing to break the taboos surrounding the disease and supporting cancer research.
“Receiving the Marie Curie Legacy Medal is an incredible honor. Throughout my experience with cancer, I’ve been committed to using my platform to raise awareness about the disease and its global impact, as well as to highlight the intersection of climate change and health. I am grateful for the life-saving treatment I received, and thanks to the pioneering research at places like the Institut Curie, we can look forward to continued advancements that will improve lives and enhance patient care,” said Jane Fonda.
Professor Alain Puisieux, Chairman of the Institut Curie Board, said, “The Institut Curie is honored to present the Marie Curie Legacy Medal to Jane Fonda, an iconic figure whose battle against cancer inspires millions worldwide. Her public commitment sheds light on the realities of this disease and underscores the importance of research in our society.”
Attendees at the gala included Professor Alain Puisieux, Rear Admiral Susan Blumenthal, MD, MPA (ret), Consul General of France in New York Cedrik Fouriscot, Jonathan LaPook, MD, Pierre-Yves Roussel, Daniel Thierry, Professor Steven Le Gouill, Mathieu Chabran, Virginie Chabran, Susan Gutfreund, Patricia Silverstein, Beatrice Philippe, Janet Pitt, Christine Schwarzman, Walter Isaacson, Tory Burch, Jean Shafiroff, Jamie Tisch, Ulla Parker, Afsaneh Akhtari, Carrie Packin, Denyce Graves, Maria Cuomo Cole, Dr. Raphael Rodriguez, Dr. Fatima Mechta Grigoriou, and Dr. Sarah Watson.
