Today, we have the chance to chat with Marie, 25 years old, 1m62 tall and in charge of communications for the RoseUp association. Every day, she helps to inform, support and defend the rights of women affected by cancer.
"They are sick, of course, but they remain above all mothers, daughters, sisters, friends, colleagues, and above all women."
First of all, could you introduce yourself and tell us about your role within the RoseUp association?
My name is Marie, and I'm in charge of communications at RoseUp. I'm mainly in charge of managing and animating our social networks: Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and TikTok. Today, over 85,000 people follow us and interact with us on a daily basis: it's the largest online community of women touched by cancer.
Before RoseUp, what was your career path?
I have a Master 2 in communications. During my studies, I was lucky enough to do internships in a variety of structures: companies, agencies, start-ups... I even lived in London for a few months as part of an internship. It was in the middle of Covid, but I have very fond memories of it!
What drew you to the non-profit sector?
I finished my studies with a work-study placement at RoseUp. I was immediately moved by the association's missions and, of course, by the cause: women's health. When I was offered a permanent contract, it was a no-brainer. I knew I wanted to give meaning to my work, and that's exactly what I've found here.
How do you feel today about this career choice compared with a more "traditional" corporate position?
Even though RoseUp is a petite team, we're going 100 miles an hour! There's a real sense of solidarity among us, and we all share the same desire: to inform and support women affected by cancer as best we can, to improve their daily lives.
For those of you who don't know RoseUp yet, can you tell us a little about the association's main mission?
It's a national association, created in 2011. Its three main missions are to inform, support and defend the rights of women affected by all types of cancer.
What actions do you carry out throughout the year, and especially during Pink October?
At RoseUp, our starting point is a simple fact: every day, women learn that they have cancer. For us, Pink October means all year round, whatever their cancer. For nearly 15 years, we've been innovating to offer them resources and support.
We inform them in particular through Rose Magazine, which we distribute twice a year in 180,000 copies , but also via our Rose Up website and our social networks, where we have the largest community of women concerned by cancer.
Support is at the heart of our action. In 2024, we welcomed over 1,500 women to our RoseUp Houses in Paris and Bordeaux. Together, we organized over 5,100 workshops and webinars, focusing on nutrition, adapted physical activity, well-being and art therapy.
And we've recently launched RoseApp, a free, caring app that brings together over 5,700 users to facilitate mutual support between patients and loved ones.
What made you want to join RoseUp?
I was immediately struck by the association's concrete actions. RoseUp doesn't just talk the talk: it implements solutions that really help women to make the most of their care. They may be ill, but they are above all mothers, daughters, sisters, friends, colleagues and, above all, women.
Is there a particular encounter that stood out for you?
At the conferences we attend, I'm always touched by the women's testimonials. Some of them had never heard of RoseUp before, and when they discover what we can do for them, their enthusiasm is overwhelming. These are moments that give meaning to my work.
What do you think are the main difficulties these women face, beyond the medical?
Many suffer from treatment-related side effects: fatigue, pain, dry skin, stress... And some feel isolated or misunderstood. In our RoseUp Houses, they find not only concrete solutions to better manage these effects, but also a place to share with other women going through the same ordeal. These exchanges are invaluable.
Why is Pink October so important?
With almost 60,000 new cases of breast cancer every year in France, it's the most common cancer among women, and it's affecting more and more young people. Pink October is therefore essential for raising awareness of breast screening and keeping the issue on the public agenda.
Do you think the way people talk about cancer has changed?
Yes, many women dare to talk more about their experiences, especially on social networks. But certain taboos still persist: around sexuality, motherhood, relationships and returning to work. We must continue to liberate the word and raise society's awareness.
What are RoseUp's plans for the coming years?
We've been innovating a lot recently, with the opening of a new Maison RoseUp in Bordeaux, the launch of RoseApp and the launch of M@ Maison RoseUp. Our aim is clear: to develop our actions to support even more women throughout France, affected by all types of cancer.
How can the general public support you?
First, by talking about us! Follow us on social networks, relay our actions, mention our association to women affected by cancer around you. And if you wish, you can make a donation via rose-up.fr to support our projects.
To finish on a more personal note
Three objects that never leave your side?
My phone, my pair of headphones and an umbrella!
A passion to share?
Skiing! Ever since I was petite, I've been lucky enough to go to the mountains in winter. I think there's something magical about that atmosphere.
Something to recommend?
A life by Simone Veil. Her story and testimony during the Second World War are deeply moving.
Your leitmotiv?
Always see the glass as half full!
Thanks to Marie for this inspiring exchange and to RoseUp for all the work it does every day for women affected by cancer.
