Éloïse’s parents were told at the 20-week ultrasound that a heart defect had been detected. Six days after her birth, Eloïse had her first open heart surgery. She had three more open heart procedures over the next four years to correct heart defects. Every time, her parents feared she would not survive. Thankfully, they were reassured knowing that Eloïse was undergoing surgery in the newly inaugurated cardiac surgery room at the Centre mère-enfant Soleil du CHU de Québec, financed by Opération Enfant Soleil. They also knew how hard Eloïse was willing to fight. She always demonstrated great strength and resilience.
When Éloise started school, she didn’t shy away from explaining her heart condition and her scars. Even today, she patiently explains her illness and the surgeries she has had.
In 2020, she needed another surgery to adjust the pacemaker she has been wearing since she was 8 months old and on which her life depends. As she grows, a heart transplant could be considered in the years to come.
Now, at 16, Eloïse is conscious, more than ever, of the risks associated with her heart condition. She is determined to be an ambassador and make people aware of how precious and essential donations are for kids like her.
With your help through foundations such as Opération Enfant Soleil, children’s hospitals can do their utmost every day to deliver timely and effective care – with innovation, compassion, and determination – and in ways especially designed for kids and their families.
