Édouard Bélanger

“Enfant Soleil gave our family a second wind — a way to come up for air and see a little light during a very difficult time.” — Audrey, Édouard’s mother 

 

Édouard: a little fighter with remarkable courage 

When Édouard was born at the Sainte-Agathe-des-Monts hospital, his parents believed they were welcoming a healthy baby. Very quickly, however, concern set in. His hands and feet began to turn blue. A simple oxygen saturation test revealed a troubling reality. In danger, Édouard was transferred urgently to the Montreal Children’s Hospital, where the diagnosis was confirmed: tetralogy of Fallot with pulmonary atresia and a ventricular septal defect — a rare heart condition affecting one child in 14,000. 

At just 17 days old, Édouard underwent open-heart surgery, the first of many. His early months were marked by intensive care, surgical procedures and long hospital stays. At three months, he required another operation. Growing up with such a complex heart condition was anything but easy. His parents had to carefully monitor his activity levels, his oxygen saturation and the many viruses that could put his life at risk. His first steps only came at the age of two, after countless hours of physiotherapy and occupational therapy. Each day was a challenge — but Édouard kept moving forward, at his own pace. 

A frightening daily reality 

When Édouard began daycare, the gap between him and the other children became more noticeable. He was smaller than his friends, tired easily, and was continually exposed to viruses and infections. Even a minor illness could result in an emergency hospitalization. In 2019, at just four years old, he developed a heart infection (endocarditis) that required several weeks in the hospital. His already fragile heart was under significant strain. 

The verdict was clear: his heart was failing. The only option to avoid end-stage heart failure was a transplant. A race against time began, where every heartbeat mattered. The wait was agonizing. Every phone call made his parents jump, torn between hope and fear. In 2020, the call they had been waiting for came: a heart had become available. 

The surgery was an indescribable ordeal. For hours, Édouard’s family held their breath. Every minute felt endless. And then, at last, relief: his new heart began to beat. The emotion was overwhelming. Édouard woke up stronger than ever, ready to rediscover the world with an invaluable second chance. 

A heart that changed a life 

The transplant transformed Édouard’s life. He must take anti-rejection medication and undergo close medical follow-ups, but his energy and quality of life have improved dramatically. Today, he continues to defy expectations with remarkable resilience, carried by the unwavering love of his family. Through the many follow-ups at the Montreal Children’s Hospital, Édouard’s parents have seen firsthand the impact of Enfant Soleil — in the specialized care and cutting-edge equipment that helped their son heal. Édouard is a quiet hero, a little fighter whose courage inspires everyone he meets. 

“It truly takes a village to raise a child. When everyone comes together, the impact is incredible.” — Jean-Claude, Édouard’s father 

Thanks to your generosity, there are beautiful things on the horizon for children like Édouard. 

– Audrey, Jean-Claude, William (14) and Alexandre (8)