Fête des Familles 2022: a reunion and a surprise for the Pr Francine Leca!
On Sunday, September 11, we were very happy to invite the host families of the Paris region for the traditional Family Day. This is an important annual event that allows new and old families to meet, exchange experiences and take stock of future challenges with the Association's teams.
In the lovely shady park of the Château des Côtes, the pediatric center that takes in the children cared for by the Association in the Paris region during their convalescence, some 55 host families gathered in the morning.
If last year, Professor Francine Leca surprised the guests with the announcement of the Association's 25th anniversary challenge, this year it was the host families who had a surprise in store for her: a musical welcome to the Association's hymn " Cœur à Cœur "!
In secret, this little world met early in the morning for an hour of rehearsals under the wise advice of Vincent De Rooster, Choir Director at the Paris Opera and singing teacher at the Massillon School. When Pr Leca arrived, it was with warmed-up voices and a mastered rhythm that this choir composed of host families started to sing in unison. An emotional moment!
Relive this incredible day in pictures
There was also time for exchanges between the Association's permanent teams and the foster families. It was an opportunity for Pr Leca to present the Association's future projects and, above all, to announce the forthcoming increase in the number of children in care. And more children means more care! The Association is therefore looking for new families willing to embark on this wonderful adventure!
Find out more about host families
For lunch, it was in a friendly atmosphere that everyone sat down for a meal where everyone had brought a dish or a dessert to share.
It was an opportunity for everyone to discuss their experiences. "We get attached to each child, and each separation is still difficult, even after the 10th time, but we know it's for a good cause!" recounted Claudine, a foster parent for over 15 years.
The new host families are also very enthusiastic about their first experience. "We never thought about becoming a host family until we saw Mrs. Leca on TV explaining that the Association needed more and more host families. Naturally, my husband and I wanted to try the adventure of fostering. So a few days ago, we received a very nice young teenager in our home, in view of her heart surgery", says Linda, a host family for the first time.
We would like to thank from the bottom of our hearts all the families present, as well as those who could not come, but who remain, despite everything, mobilized for the Association.
Photos : ©J-Y Clairé / ©Philippe Stisi / ©Mécénat Chirurgie Cardiaque
