Telethon 2025: Singer Santa’s Daring Feat Helps Raise €83.5 Million for Rare Disease Research – Breaking News!
Paris, France – December 7, 2025 – In a stunning display of generosity and showmanship, the Telethon 2025 has successfully raised €83,504,259 in pledges to support vital research into rare genetic diseases. The annual fundraising event, which faced unprecedented competition from the Miss France 2026 election broadcast on the same night, exceeded last year’s total of €80 million, proving the enduring power of collective compassion. This is a major win for AFM-Téléthon and the families impacted by these devastating conditions. This is breaking news for those following philanthropic efforts and medical advancements.
Santa Takes the Plunge for a Cause
This year’s Telethon was spearheaded by singer Santa, who didn’t just lend her name to the cause – she threw herself into it, quite literally. In a breathtaking moment broadcast live across France, Santa launched herself on a zip line from the top of the Eiffel Tower, a powerful tribute to patients, researchers, doctors, families, and caregivers battling rare diseases. The image, quickly going viral, perfectly encapsulated the spirit of the event. A tweet from France tv captured the moment, showcasing Santa’s commitment.
Super Santa launches from the Eiffel Tower on a zip line to pay tribute to all the everyday superheroes: patients, researchers, doctors, families, caregivers… #Telethon2025@jesuissanta999 @Telethon_France @Francetele @LaTourEiffel
Beyond the spectacle, Santa also made a significant personal donation of €99,999 – a number chosen for its special meaning to the artist, as 9 is her favorite number. This gesture further amplified the call for donations and inspired others to contribute.
Firefighters and Young Faces Lead the Charge
The fundraising effort wasn’t solely reliant on celebrity endorsements. French firefighters demonstrated remarkable solidarity, collecting an impressive €1,300,000 in donations. The Telethon also highlighted the personal stories of those affected by rare diseases, featuring young faces like Paulin, 7, and Noé, 4, who bravely shared their experiences, reminding viewers of the human impact of this critical research.
The Fight Continues: Funding 40 Clinical Trials
The funds raised will be instrumental in supporting the AFM-Téléthon’s ongoing work, currently financing 40 clinical trials for 33 different diseases affecting blood, liver, muscle, vision, and the immune system. As Laurence Tiennot-Herment, a leading figure in the organization, pointed out, “Ultra-rare diseases interest neither investors nor pharmaceutical groups. But even for rare diseases, we lack resources.” However, the research isn’t just beneficial for those with rare conditions; advancements often have ripple effects, potentially leading to breakthroughs in more common illnesses like cancer, age-related macular degeneration (AMD), and heart failure. This makes supporting the Telethon a strategic investment in broader medical progress.
How You Can Still Help
While the main broadcast has concluded, the Telethon’s donation line, 3637, remains open until December 12th, offering a continued opportunity to contribute to this vital cause. Every euro counts in the ongoing quest to find treatments and cures for rare genetic diseases. The Telethon’s success, even in the face of competition, underscores the French public’s commitment to supporting medical research and providing hope for families affected by these challenging conditions. For those interested in learning more about rare diseases and the AFM-Téléthon’s work, visit their website at https://www.afm-telethon.org/en/. Stay tuned to Archyde for further updates on this developing story and other important news.