Paco Arango is a Spanish film director, producer, and philanthropist who founded Fundación Aladina, one of Europe’s most active charities supporting children with cancer and their families. Since its founding, Fundación Aladina has grown into one of Europe’s most active pediatric cancer charities, supporting around 1,500 children each year across 22 hospitals in Spain.
He has funded major infrastructure projects such as one of Europe’s most advanced pediatric bone marrow transplant units in Madrid, as well as psychosocial and practical support programs across multiple hospitals. The foundation also supported pediatric oncology services in conflict-affected regions, including Armenia, Ukraine, Lebanon, and Jordan, for which in 2025 Paco Arango and the CEO of the Foundation, Ishtar Espejo, received the Yvonne Award for Humanitarian Work.
He has uniquely combined his creative career with philanthropy, dedicating several of his films—Maktub, Lo Que de Verdad Importa, Los Rodríguez y el Más Allá, and Mi Otro Jon—as 100% charity projects, with all proceeds directed to children with cancer. His most recent initiative, Casa Aladina, is envisioned as Europe’s first comprehensive day-support center for children with cancer and their families, extending care beyond the hospital setting.
In 2023, Fundación Aladina joined the Union for International Cancer Control (UICC), marking a new chapter in its international engagement in global childhood cancer control. Through compassion, sustained presence, and innovative fundraising, Paco Arango has built a model of cancer support centered on dignity, resilience, and hope.
The 100 Most Influential People in Oncology in 2025 recognizes the changemakers in cancer care who have helped shape current practice in oncology and continue to drive innovation and research towards better outcomes, advocacy, philanthropy, leadership and education. For the many deserving individuals not mentioned in this list, we will continue to acknowledge, honor and elevate your voices in our daily publications from across the world.
See the full list of The 100 Influential People in Oncology in 2025 and stay tuned for the results of special category nominations to be announced.
