Father of Hugo, now 7 years old. Hugo was born with, among other things, hypoplastic left heart syndrome, which required open-heart surgery at just 7 days old, and another at 18 months. He is the reason behind my involvement in the Young Philanthropists Committee.

Mathias Poret

I’ve been involved with the Young Philanthropists Committee of the En Cœur Foundation for five years, ever since the birth of my daughter Olivia. This cause is very close to my heart, as I experienced firsthand what it’s like to be the parent of a child with congenital heart disease. Even after her passing, I remain committed to showing my gratitude for the support the Foundation gave us and to continue helping other families.

Laurie Suzor-Pleau, Photographer, OLIVE Photographie
(Photo credit: Eliott Suzor-Nadeau)

I had the privilege of discovering the services and impact of the En Cœur Foundation during my time as an Events and Communications Advisor five years ago. Even after I moved on professionally, continuing my involvement with the Young Philanthropists Committee was a natural choice! It’s an honor to contribute to the Foundation’s mission and see its impact on families.

Herschelle Jourdain, Production Director, Multicolore

I’m the proud mother of two funny, smart, and energetic boys—my eldest was born with a heart defect. Thanks to the exceptional care provided by doctors and nurses, he is doing well today. Being part of the En Cœur Foundation’s Young Philanthropists Committee allows me to give back, share our story with other families, and help ensure that more heart heroes can receive the same exceptional care.

Ruth Jebing, Chief of Staff to the President & CEO, CAE Inc.

When I was born, the nursery staff quickly noticed something was wrong. I was transferred to Laval Hospital and taken in by the cardiology team. My parents were told I had a heart defect and would need open-heart surgery. Even though the news was very grim and my family was deeply worried, my mother kept a journal of our experience leading up to the surgery. What struck me most, reading it later, was how well-supported she felt thanks to the attentive care of the hospital’s cardiologists and nurses. I feel incredibly fortunate to have been treated in time by skilled professionals. That’s why I chose to get involved with the En Cœur Foundation—to give back to a cause close to my heart and ensure other families and children receive the same outstanding care we did.

— Samuel, member of the En Cœur Foundation’s Young Philanthropists Committee, proudly wearing the Poches & Fils x En Cœur crewneck.

Samuel Beaudoin, Payroll Technician, Groupe Deric inc.