They are young, they are lovely, and above all, they are golden-voiced. Though they didn’t know each other just a few short weeks ago, they share a common bond: they each have their own Sainte-Justine story. Ariane, Clémentine and Thierry joined their voices to those of Ariane Moffatt and Martha Wainwright in support of the Love is contagious campaign.
Ariane
It was June of 2015 and summer vacation had just begun. On the way to the cottage, the car that was carrying Ariane, her big sister and her grandma was hit head-on by another. The accident was tragic: though her older sister miraculously escaped unharmed, her grandmother was killed by the force of the impact and Ariane was seriously injured. Double vision, multiple fractures, micro-lacerations, a head injury, burns… the list was long. Once she was stabilized at the regional hospital, Ariane was transferred to the CHU Sainte-Justine’s Marie Enfant Rehabilitation Centre. Fortunately, she was officially a patient for only a few weeks, but she was followed for several months afterwards by specialists from Sainte-Justine. Today, Ariane is doing well. She and her family are extremely grateful to their teams of caregivers.
We have received so much; now, it’s our turn to give back. We want some good to come from that tragic event. That’s what the Love is contagious campaign is all about!
Thierry
After spending 5 years in Africa doing voluntary cooperation work, Nathalie fell in love. She and her husband decided to come back to Canada to start their family; she was by then 20 weeks pregnant and had not yet had any medical follow-up. Fortunately, a friend referred Nathalie to Sainte-Justine, where she was able to be followed through her pregnancy.
By giving birth at Sainte-Justine, I knew I was in the right place and that I would receive the best care, no matter what happened.
At 42 weeks, the young mother had to undergo an emergency C-section. Despite the stress of the event, she felt fully confident under the diligent care of her medical team. Thankfully, Thierry entered the world without complications in the landmark Montreal hospital – an event that will forever be etched in their hearts.
Clémentine
She may never be able to speak… or sing. This fear still echoes in the hearts and memories of Clémentine’s parents, despite how well she sings today. When she was just a few weeks old, their little girl arrived at Sainte-Justine with symptoms that worried her parents: she brought up everything she ate and she wasn’t gaining weight. The diagnosis came quickly: Clémentine had laryngomalacia. Her larynx was like a wilted flower, recall her parents.
This congenital abnormality of the larynx is relatively common, but can have major lasting after-effects in more serious cases. Thanks to frequent follow-ups and excellent treatment from her care team, Clémentine got better and developed normally. Today, it’s almost as if nothing happened. Though this event was the family’s first contact with Sainte-Justine, the pediatric hospital was, and remains, their point of reference if ever they need it.
For us, the value of Sainte-Justine is clear. It’s essential when you’re worried about the health of what’s most precious to you: your children.
The big day
Inspirational, these three young people are like all children their age. They talk about their friends, school, their favourite (and least favourite) subjects. They have fun and look forward to the pizza they’ve been promised. Welcome to the recording studio! It’s noon and the mood is jubilant. These three young people were selected because of the personal stories that connect them to Sainte-Justine, but also because they sing beautifully.
They’re almost feverish with excitement and tremendously happy. In a few minutes they’ll meet two singers they admire, whether it’s because they’ve listened to their music or simply because their parents have prepared them to meet two incredible recording artists: two generous mothers who have agreed to sing ‘La Maladie d’amour’ with them. They know what a special occasion this is.
When I heard about this project I was so excited! I’m able to give back to the most important hospital for Quebec children! And even better, it’s the hospital where I was born. It’s like my first home. And now – to sing with Ariane and Martha, I can’t believe it! Everyone thinks I’m so lucky!
I think that Sainte-Justine saves a lot of lives. It’s such an important hospital for treating illnesses and discovering new medicines. I was lucky, but I know not everyone is as fortunate. I love to sing, and being able to sing with Ariane and Martha is like receiving a wonderful gift!
Je pense que c’est important de redonner à l’hôpital qui a changé ma vie. Aujourd’hui, je vis presque normalement et c’est grâce aux soignants et intervenants du Centre Marie Enfant du CHU Sainte-Justine. Les gens là-bas sont tellement gentils et dédiés. C’était vraiment important pour moi d’accepter le projet.
La rencontre
Le moment fut magique. Rien n’est plus beau que de voir des humains se rencontrer, se comprendre et se rejoindre, au nom des mères et des enfants de Sainte-Justine. La bienveillance, le regard maternel d’Ariane et Martha sur les trois enfants, de même que la grandeur de la cause… tous les ingrédients étaient réunis pour créer la magie. La Maladie d’amour raisonnait jusque dans les pores et le cœur de tous ceux qui étaient présents. En espérant maintenant qu’elle se propage encore et encore pour faire vibrer au diapason, le cœur de tous les Québécois.
