On February 12, 2023, Hugo, our 15-year-old athlete, collapsed while playing basketball. There were no warning signs — we believed he was perfectly healthy.
After 16 long minutes of cardiac arrest, two shocks, and a very determined mother performing CPR, his heart started beating again.
At our regional hospital, we learned that Hugo has hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, which had caused his malignant arrhythmia. Still in a coma, he was transferred to the Children’s Hospital, where we were introduced to the En Cœur Foundation.
We were entering a completely unknown world and were terrified. The support we received made us realize we were not alone — and that makes a real difference.
On February 14, 2023, we experienced the most beautiful Valentine’s Day of our lives: Hugo woke up, recognized us, and spoke to us.
Little by little, he recovered. We learned more about his condition and how to support him. There were tears, fear, and disappointment — but also courage, resilience, and even laughter.
On February 23, he received a subcutaneous defibrillator — his personal lifesaver, his insurance policy when mom isn’t nearby.
He now takes daily medication and had to change his lifestyle. For a 15-year-old athlete, nearly giving up sports was incredibly difficult, but he faced it like the champion he is.
Today, he is doing well. He lives life as fully as his condition allows. He has graduated high school and will soon complete his heavy equipment mechanics program.
He embraces life fully. He is now 18 years old.
This experience will forever be etched in our memories. It changed our lives, but we also remember all those who supported us.
Thank you, En Cœur Foundation 🫶🏻