Since May 1, 2026, the #MaiEnGris campaign aims to raise public awareness of brain tumors through a participatory challenge amplified on social media. Led by families of patients, dedicated associations, and ambassadors of the Institut du Cerveau, this initiative seeks to give greater visibility to a disease that remains under the media radar despite alarming statistics.
The campaign hinges on a simple, symbolic gesture: don a gray beanie in May, then share a photo or a Instagram Story with the hashtag #MaiEnGris. Participants are also encouraged to tag others to spread the message. If you don’t have a gray beanie, a black-and-white filter works too.
According to organizers, brain tumors affect roughly 6,000 people each year in France and are the leading cause of cancer death among children, teens, and young adults up to 35. For the most aggressive forms, such as glioblastomas, median survival is about 12 months, and treatments have changed little in almost three decades.
The campaign is supported in particular by the associations AmourAmourAmour, ARTC and ARTC Sud, as well as by Pauline Crucis and Alexandra Joffo-Curiel, ambassadors of the Institut du Cerveau. Three pivotal moments anchor this mobilization:
This mobilization also comes as several nonprofit initiatives aim to strengthen support for patients, their families, and the caregivers affected by brain tumors. Notably, the Franck Joffo Association, which provides legal support to AP-HP caregivers.
Through this digital, citizen-led campaign, the organizers aim to raise public awareness and highlight the funding shortfall for brain tumor research.
