This year, Enfant Soleil is donating more than $76,000 in Abitibi-Témiscamingue to improve the care and overall health of children in the area. It supports over a hundred healthcare establishments across the province, in addition to giving vital support to the four major pediatric centres, which provide specialized and superspecialized care to all children who need it.
Discover phototherapy: A vital treatment for newborns
This year, four healthcare facilities in the region will receive nearly $69,000 for the purchase of phototherapy equipment to treat jaundice in newborns: Hôtel-Dieu d'Amos, Hôpital de La Sarre, Hôpital de Rouyn-Noranda and Hôpital de Val-d'Or.
Phototherapy blankets will be funded to effectively treat jaundice, a condition that affects around 60% of full-term newborns and up to 80% of premature babies. These blankets allow for precious skin-to-skin contact and breastfeeding. They promote faster recovery while allowing parents to bond with their baby, both in the hospital and at home.
Other projects supported in the area
1 pediatric cradle for examinations
This cradle is ideal for positioning infants and young children undergoing medical imaging. It plays an essential role in minimizing the risk of movement, helping to obtain high-quality images while ensuring the safety and comfort of young patients.
9 portable pulse oximeters
These devices provide optimal and comfortable oxygen measurement. They will be used for children with cardio-respiratory problems who need oxygen at home. The children will be able to be monitored in the comfort of their own environment; a big relief for parents, who will have easier access to this equipment.
Thomas Houle, Abitibi-Témiscamingue’s Enfant Soleil
He and his family help the cause shine in their region.
Extensive examinations during pregnancy revealed that Thomas had a severe malformation compressing his heart and lungs. His chances of survival were estimated at only 15%. He was finally born at 37 weeks and underwent several operations in his first few months. Thomas spent 193 days at Sainte-Justine, more than six hours from home, before being allowed to return home. Today, despite having to get regular medical checkups, this little one radiates resilience and is all smiles, giving his parents a lesson in courage. “You make a difference. Every donation gives hope: the hope to carry on, the hope that the future will be brighter.” —Jessica, Thomas' mother.