Estelle Thiffault

“Since the day she was born, Estelle has always been a little ray of sunshine—not just because she survived, not because we almost lost her, but because she is truly a bright child who smiles through challenges.” — Hugo, Estelle’s father

 

Estelle, a fighter from her very first breath

When Sonia and Hugo went in for what they believed was a routine prenatal appointment, they never imagined their lives would change in an instant. At 35 weeks pregnant, Sonia learned that their baby was in danger. Estelle was no longer moving, and her heart rate was dangerously high. A fetomaternal hemorrhage threatened her life, and an emergency C‑section was the only option. “If my appointment had been just a few hours later, Estelle probably wouldn’t have survived,” Sonia recalls, her voice filled with emotion.

Born at Hôpital de la Cité‑de‑la‑Santé in Laval, Estelle had to be stabilized immediately. She struggled to breathe and had lost a significant amount of blood. Transferred to CHU Sainte‑Justine in Montréal, she spent seven days under close observation in intensive care. Her parents shuttled back and forth between the hospital and home, where their two older children, Émilien and Léanne, waited anxiously.

Thanks to prompt and effective medical care, Estelle was finally able to go home after a few days. Despite some medical uncertainties, she appeared to recover without any major lasting effects.

The following years, however, brought their share of challenges. Estelle took longer than most children her age to walk and showed subtle signs of motor delay on her left side. Sonia’s maternal instinct led her to seek further evaluation, and a specialist eventually confirmed a diagnosis of left‑sided motor cerebral palsy. While difficult, the diagnosis also provided clarity and answers.

Unseen Battles

Today, Estelle receives physiotherapy and occupational therapy. Each night, she wears an orthotic boot to support her growth. Despite everything, she is active, curious and eager to learn. She plays, explores and thrives with a determination that inspires everyone around her. Her mild motor delay is barely noticeable, a testament to her family’s constant support and the dedication of the professionals who care for her. However, some battles are invisible. Recently, Estelle has been experiencing separation anxiety. As she begins to understand the circumstances surrounding her birth, she tries to make sense of what she went through. With the help of a social worker, she is learning to navigate these emotions, one step at a time.

Before she was even one year old, Estelle was named an Enfant Soleil for the first time. Her mother wanted to share how essential Enfant Soleil’s support is to pediatric hospitals. Today, eight years later, the family is returning to share their story and the journey they have been on in recent years.

By becoming an Enfant Soleil family for a second time, Estelle’s parents hope to remind us that every child deserves compassionate care tailored to their needs and to their challenges, whether visible or not. Their story is one of hope, but also a call for generosity, so that children like Estelle can keep moving forward, one step at a time, toward a gentler future.

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

– Sonia, Hugo, Émilien (16) and Léanne (11)