info@mecenat-cardiaque.org | +33 (0)1 49 24 02 02 | Read the blog |
"Operating from the Heart for the world's children
Operating in the best conditions on children from disadvantaged countries with heart defects
Mécénat Chirurgie Cardiaque Enfants du Monde enables children with heart defects from underprivileged countries to undergo surgery in France when this is impossible in their own country due to lack of technical or financial resources. Hosted by volunteer host families in 9 cities in France, more than 4000 children have been taken care of since the creation of the Association in 1996 by Pr. Francine Leca.
Worldwide, 1 child in 100 is born with a heart defect. Other children develop heart disease as a result of infections. Whether infectious or congenital, these diseases are highly disabling and often fatal. Cardiac surgery is often the only way to save children with heart disease. However, these operations use advanced medical techniques that are extremely expensive.
In many countries, it is impossible to perform these operations due to a lack of equipment, skills or financial resources. It is for the children of these countries, who cannot benefit from the operation that would save their life, that Mécénat Chirurgie Cardiaque fights daily, allowing them to be welcomed and operated on in France.
"Mécénat began in 1996 from a very simple observation: we have in our hands a "magical" power, that of knowing how to repair hearts and thus give a second life to so many children. But this surgery is very expensive and out of reach for so many people around the world. The money can be found. There is so much generosity, it just needs motivation! »
On Sunday September 17, we invited all our host families in the Paris region to join us for a not-to-be-missed back-to-school event: the Fête des Familles!
As part of our pediatric cardiology training program, we welcomed for the second time one of our correspondent physicians for a one-week echocardiography internship in France.
This 2023 edition has been exceptional, as we celebrate 20 years of presence on the Tour de France. Two decades that have enabled us to save 358 children's hearts thanks to our fund-raising activities on the event, and soon 21 more little hearts, operated on thanks to this 2023 edition.
