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This Monday September 23, 2024, saw the fifth edition of the exceptional auction at Institut Imagine (Paris 15), initiated by Kamel Mennour, for the benefit of Institut Imagine with the support of Christie’s and Galerie kreo. Thanks to the generosity of artists and designers, luxury brands and celebrities, 38 lots were offered for sale, raising a further 10 million euros this year to support the work of Institut Imagine—the leading European center for research, care and teaching in the field of genetic diseases. Among the lots sold were works by Tadashi Kawamata (€190,000), Bertrand Lavier (€180,000) and Philippe Parreno (€260,000); and exceptional moments such as a memorable moment with Kylian Mbappé (€150,000) or an unforgetable meeting with Pharrell Williams (€190,000).
The cumulative amount raised by HEROES for Imagine since its inception is now over €32 million. Previous fundraising campaigns have enabled 18 projects to be carried out, bringing hope to patients and their families. For example, they have been invested in strategic projects, such as the opening of a clinical bioinformatics laboratory; and the financing of cutting-edge technologies such as an MRI or a DNA sequencer that has boosted the diagnosis rate for children from 20% to 50%.
“This sale is an extraordinary demonstration of the generosity and solidarity of our donors. The 10 million euros raised this year will enable the Institut Imagine to take crucial new steps in research and innovation for genetic diseases.”
Kamel Mennour
“We are deeply moved by the overwhelming support we have received. Every work of art sold, every donation made, is one step closer to more accurate diagnoses and more effective treatments for our patients.”
Pr. Stanislas Lyonnet, Director of Institut Imagine
To date, 8,000 genetic diseases have been identified, affecting 35 million patients in Europe and 3 million in France. Today, 1 in 2 children is still left without a diagnosis, and 85% of diseases have no treatment. Research is therefore fundamental, and all support is invaluable in this fight for life. Fundraising must continue!
Join the “HEROES” initiative and support Institut Imagine by making a donation at https://soutenir.institutimagine.org