Barcelona Rallies for Cancer Research at a Historic Gala
On May 26, Barcelona once again embraced science, emotion, and commitment for the FERO Benefit Gala 2025. At the emblematic Drassanes Reials, more than 830 people gathered for an unforgettable evening that highlighted the importance of cancer research, bringing together representatives from the scientific, social, and business spheres. It was a night that shone not only for its atmosphere but also for its results: over €900,000 were raised, a record figure that will help continue to drive the future of oncology in our country.
Five Young Talents Receive FERO 2025 Grants
The most anticipated moment of the gala was the presentation of the
five FERO Grants
, which this year represented a direct investment of €400,000 in translational research projects. Each grant, endowed with €80,000, was awarded to cutting-edge proposals led by young researchers working in strategic areas such as triple-negative breast cancer, pediatric sarcomas, prostate cancer, and mantle cell lymphomas.
The new “Feritos” awarded that night were:
- Dr. Renée Beekman (CRG), XXIX FERO Grant for Young Researchers, for her study of mantle cell lymphoma. Her goal is to identify the cell of origin of this aggressive type of cancer to improve early diagnosis and develop more precise therapies.
- Dr. Mafalda Oliveira (VHIO), VII FERO-MANGO Grant in Breast Cancer, for a study analyzing how T lymphocytes react in patients with triple-negative breast cancer. Her research aims to identify biomarkers that predict immunotherapy efficacy and reduce its adverse effects.
- Dr. Ángel R. Nebreda (IRB Barcelona), VII FERO-GHD Grant in Breast Cancer, who will develop a genetic “barcode” system to track chemotherapy-resistant tumor cells in triple-negative breast cancer, key to preventing metastasis.
- Dr. Pablo Menéndez (Josep Carreras Institute), I FERO-Aladina Foundation Grant in Pediatric Cancer, who will apply reinforced CAR T cells to combat pediatric sarcomas, developing more effective therapies for cancers currently without immunological options.
- Dr. Raquel Pérez (VHIO), I FERO-Carmen Mateu Grant for Physician-Researchers, for her project ProstateVISION, which uses artificial intelligence to detect genetic alterations in advanced prostate cancer to improve its treatment.
They were the protagonists of the night, recognized for projects that, thanks to cutting-edge techniques, innovative approaches, artificial intelligence, and therapeutic innovation, can make a real difference in the lives of patients.
The FERO Gala Lights Up in Memory of Isak Andic
The gala also featured moments of great emotion, such as the tribute to Isak Andic, founder of MANGO and a great promoter of FERO breast cancer grants, who passed away last December.
His legacy was remembered by José Creuheras, a trustee of the Foundation and a personal friend, who offered a few words before the screening of a commemorative video that reviewed his involvement and support for the cause.
Additionally, attendees experienced a symbolic and emotional moment when, thanks to the company Glow Experience, more than 800 interactive bracelets lit up in unison, reflecting the collective strength that drives every step in cancer research.
Clara Baselga Moves Audience with a Hope-Filled Tribute
Clara Baselga
, daughter of the founder of the FERO Foundation, also moved the entire audience with her speech. With words full of affection, she recalled how her father, even in the most difficult moments of his illness, never ceased to be a mentor and inspiration.
She shared a personal anecdote in which, faced with a devastating diagnosis, he insisted that a patient should never be told that “there is nothing to be done,” because “there is always something to be done.” Her intervention was not only a sincere tribute to her father’s figure but also a powerful call to action in favor of supporting young researchers — the Feritos — who represent the future of cancer research.
The applause was unanimous.
Symbolic Illumination in Barcelona for Cancer Research
As is tradition, some of the city’s architectural icons — this year the Torre Glòries and La Pedrera — were bathed in FERO green during the night, making society’s commitment to cancer research visible on the Barcelona skyline.
This symbolic gesture once again underscores the Foundation’s desire to involve citizens in its mission: to translate scientific advances into clinical practice as quickly as possible and thus improve the lives of thousands of patients.
The Commitment of Companies That Make Research Possible
None of this would have been possible without the support of our collaborators. The gala featured Andbank as the main sponsor, whose commitment to science and health has been key to making this gala a reality for yet another year, now for over 10 years.
We also want to deeply thank the involvement of MANGO, GHD, Fundació Bosch Aymerich, Fundación Aladina, and Grupo Peralada, who have sponsored the various grants awarded this year. Their trust and direct support for cancer research are essential to continue advancing towards more effective and personalized treatments.
The FERO Gala Continues: Upcoming Events in Valencia and Madrid
The night of May 26 was just the beginning of a year full of commitment and hope. We will meet again very soon: on September 25 at the FERO Gala Valencia and on November 17 at the FERO Gala Madrid. Because each gala is a new opportunity to show our firm commitment to the vision instilled in us by Dr. Baselga: to advance towards a future without cancer.
