A “My Toudou Hospital” has opened at the Timone Hospital in Marseille, France, launched in late January 2026 by the Pharmavie association. The initiative provides plush toys, nicknamed Toudous, to support children battling cancer – a development offering significant comfort to young patients and the healthcare staff who care for them.
Twelve-year-old Alexia, undergoing treatment for ear cancer, has a Toudou by her side during hospital visits. “I take it with me all the time when I arrive to the hospital,” she shared. The plush toys arrived at Timone Hospital in July 2025, and their dedicated “hospital for cuddly toys” officially opened on January 29, 2026.
“When I have chemo, I place a superhero cape on it”
“It shares the illness with me,” Alexia explained. The names of all her care team are written on the back of her Toudou, and, mirroring her own treatment, the stuffed animal also wears a catheter and a hospital bracelet. “Plus, it has superhero things, so when You’ll see medical things, or chemo, I put its superhero cape on it.”
Gladys, Alexia’s mother, confirmed the profound impact the Toudou has had. “I wouldn’t have thought she would bring it so much. It’s her hospital companion, it reassures her.” The Toudous also help explain treatment processes to children, a strategy proving effective, according to Dr. Carole Coze. The pediatric oncologist at Timone Hospital recounted an instance where a 15-year-old patient insisted on having her Toudou undergo a practice scan before her own procedure. “Normally, we have a special mannequin to explain how we’re going to insert the probe. But this patient absolutely wanted us to scan the cuddly toy,” the doctor said with a smile.
The project, spearheaded by the Pharmavie pharmacists’ association, has been in development for a decade. According to association president Marie-Claude Santini, the plush toys help healthcare staff better support young patients. “A scientific publication shows that Toudous reduce stress by 10% during care. We sedate and anesthetize children less as a result. The Toudou is also a support tool: we put the oxygen mask or sensors on it, it’s a real educational tool,” the pharmacist explained.
A miniature hospital has also been set up within the ward, allowing children to take their Toudous for practice scans and X-rays. The initiative, including the provision of plush toys for three years, costs 60,000 euros, funded by philanthropic donations. Timone Hospital is the 14th hospital in France to benefit from the program. This innovative approach highlights the growing recognition of the importance of psychosocial support in pediatric cancer care, aiming to ease anxiety and improve the overall patient experience.
