Jacob Boudreau

An accident can happen in the blink of an eye 

Jacob has always been bursting with energy. Athletic, fearless and driven, he has never been one to hold back. That determination, already part of who he was before the accident, became his greatest strength in overcoming the challenge of his life. 

On July 15, 2023, an accident changed everything. While playing with friends on a Zodiac boat, Jacob fell into the water just as the engine restarted. He was struck by the propeller. When he resurfaced, he was conscious but gravely injured. Despite the severity of his injuries—a major skull fracture and a deep facial wound—he remained awake. Thanks to the quick response of those around him, his life was saved. He was rushed to the hospital in the Îles-de-la-Madeleine, then airlifted to the CHUL in Québec City, where complex surgery was required to relieve pressure on his brain. It was thanks in part to the specialized neurosurgical care at the Centre mère-enfant Soleil that Jacob survived, followed by a stay in the pediatric intensive care unit.1 

The days that followed were filled with fear and uncertainty. Jacob was placed in a medically induced coma, and his future remained unclear. Against all odds, he woke up, recognized his parents, and began an astonishing recovery. He had to relearn how to walk, speak and use his right hand. Yet after only nine days, he was discharged from the IRDPQ, defying all medical expectations. 

Unshakable strength 

Jacob’s journey was far from over. His severely damaged skull had to be reconstructed in multiple stages. After a second surgery to reposition his bone, a rare complication occurred: the bone deteriorated. A third operation became necessary to implant a 3D‑prosthesis—a first for a child at the CHUL. Thanks to the specialized teams at the Centre mère‑enfant Soleil, the procedure was a success. Through it all, Jacob’s determination never wavered. 

Throughout this immense ordeal, Jacob amazed those around him with his resilience and positive outlook. While the dexterity of his right hand remains affected and he is more vulnerable to epileptic seizures, he has returned to his activities with care. Today, he continues his rehabilitation, surrounded by a family that supports him every step of the way. 

Jacob was given a second chance. Grateful, his family now hopes to give back. Every advancement, every donation, can make a real difference for a child like Jacob. 

“The worst is behind us, and the best is yet to come,” his mother says with hope. 

Thanks to your generosity, there is a brighter future ahead for children like Jacob. 

– Josiane, Kevin and Jasmin (11) 

1. The new Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU) at the Centre mère-enfant Soleil of the CHU de Québec was completely redesigned thanks to the financial support of Enfant Soleil. It officially opened its doors in 2024.