Zag Foundation partners with Institute Rafaël to establish a worldwide programme to provide free holistic therapies to children with cancer.

Dr. Alain Toledano

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 on the 14th December by Jeremy Zag, Founder and CEO, Zag, and Dr. Alain Toledano, co-founder of Institute Rafaël.

Institute Rafaël provides an integrative approach; 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.

Jeremy Zag

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. Additionally, the programme 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. These include cosplay, toys, arts & 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, 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 about the power of music and speaking your own voice. Every child across the globe who has been diagnosed with cancer will receive a special doll.

“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 added: “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.”