Becoming a host family
Criteria for becoming a host family
Wanting to help a child as a volunteer
Be able to drive
Living approximately one hour's drive from one of our partner hospitals in France, Switzerland, or Belgium
Be available full-time for 8 weeks
Some questions you might ask yourself
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Who can host a child?
All of you! Whether you're single, married, a parent or not, all you need to do is meet the above criteria.
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In which cities should host families live?
Mécénat Chirurgie Cardiaque heart surgery for children at 13 partner surgical centers, 12 of which require host families: in Angers, Bordeaux, Brussels (Belgium), Geneva (Switzerland), Lyon, Marseille, Nantes, Paris, Saint-Denis de la Réunion, Strasbourg, Toulouse, and Tours. We need new host families living near these cities within a radius of about an hour's drive.
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How long does a reception last?
From the moment we meet the child at the airport, to his or her departure, and all the way through the healthcare process, a welcome lasts an average of 6 to 8 weeks.
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Can I choose the period?
We operate all year round. We plan the period according to your availability.
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Who are these children? Where do they come from?
These are children with heart defects who cannot afford to have surgery in their own countries. Their only option is to come to France, Switzerland, or Belgium, but without you, this is impossible.
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What happens if something goes wrong?
You're never alone! Our dedicated team is available 24/7 to guide and support you in all circumstances.
How do I become a host family?
Start by contacting our host family coordinator using the form below. Once she has received your message, you will immediately receive an automatic reply email, which we ask you to read carefully and respond to in order to confirm your interest.
After an initial contact by telephone, you will be welcomed either in Paris at the Association's head office, or by our local representatives. This first meeting is an opportunity to exchange information.
We'll give you a few weeks to think things over, and if you'd like to continue, a member of the medical team will meet with you to discuss the issues involved in welcoming a child with a heart condition.
If you confirm your wish to welcome a child, we decide together when to welcome him/her. Right up to the day of arrival, we stay in touch to prepare for the child's arrival and answer any questions you may have.
Contact Sarah using this form
Sarah Richer
Host family coordinatorIf you would like to become a host family or if you have any questions,
Please contact us using the form below.
You will then receive a confirmation email.
which we kindly ask you to read carefully.