Breast Cancer Awareness Month: HUYGENS Paris supports the association Vivre Comme Avant

October is a special month: a month of awareness and mobilization against breast cancer. On this occasion, HUYGENS Paris is standing alongside the Vivre Comme Avant association, a unique organization that brings a listening ear and support to thousands of women every year.

From October 1 to 31, for every product sold on www.huygens.fr, 1€ will be donated to Vivre Comme Avant.

Breast cancer: a major public health issue

With nearly 60,000 new cases every year in France, breast cancer is the most common cancer among women. Beyond medical treatment, women facing this disease need to be heard, understood, and supported on a human level.

That is precisely the mission of Vivre Comme Avant (“Living As Before”), a French nonprofit association recognized as being of general interest, with almost 50 years of history.

A mission built on shared experience

The association rests on a simple but powerful principle: volunteer women, themselves former patients, support those facing the disease today.

Trained in active listening, they offer individual, confidential, and caring support, allowing patients to feel understood and to talk freely about their fears, emotions, and doubts.

Their motto sums up their mission perfectly:
“We have lived through it, we can help you.”

Concrete actions, every day

The support offered by Vivre Comme Avant takes several forms:

• Individual visits in hospitals or clinics, after breast surgery (mastectomy, reconstruction), during chemotherapy, or at a medical check-up, in 70 partner hospitals and clinics.
• Drop-in sessions in community and listening spaces (patient and user houses), as well as in 70 partner hospitals and clinics.
• In-town meetups, in the 40 French cities where the association is present.
• Remote contact by phone or email, to keep a connection at every stage of the care journey.

In total, more than 10,000 women are supported every year, thanks to the work of over 100 committed volunteers, prepared and trained in listening and in supporting patients.

Recognized, trusted support

The association is approved by the French Ministry of Health to represent patients in healthcare institutions and is a member of France Assos Santé. It also holds official partnerships with hospitals and clinics, guaranteeing support that complements the work of caregivers and contributes to improving the quality of patient care.

Its work shows the women it supports that behind the idea of “recovery” there are real people who have been through the same stages and who have regained a genuinely fulfilling quality of life. An inspiring example that can spark that essential realization:
“Why not me?”

HUYGENS x Vivre Comme Avant: a heartfelt partnership

By joining forces with Vivre Comme Avant for Pink October, HUYGENS Paris wants to remind everyone that care doesn't stop at products — it extends to the attention we give to others, to well-being, and to the comfort it brings, especially in difficult times. This partnership embodies our desire to put beauty at the service of people, helping restore confidence and hope to those who need it most.

Every product purchased in October becomes an act of solidarity. Together, we can concretely support the journey of thousands of women and bring a little more gentleness into their daily lives.

To learn more: www.vivrecommeavant.fr