Seriously ill, Christophe and Karine Tartry, managers of the Café de France, in Pontarlier (Doubs), were forced to close their establishment for more than a month. A difficult situation, softened by a great initiative: an online prize pool launched by customers and friends.
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A prize pool full of love and solidarity, when fate seems to be getting worse. Christophe and Karine Tartry, aged 53 and 44 respectively, have both managed the Café de France, in Pontarlier, for eight years now. Eight years in which their small establishment, located on Place Saint-Pierre, known for its concerts, its vinyl markets and its festive side, has built a fine reputation.
However, since the end of last September, the establishment has had its doors closed, which is normally open six days a week. Why this prolonged closure? Significant health concerns. “We had significant health problems” confides Christophe Tartry, contacted by France 3 Franche-Comté. “My wife developed breast cancer a few months ago. And I had surgery on September 24. There were complications, and I'm still in the hospital“.
As a result, while the Café de France was supposed to reopen in mid-October, it is still closed for an indefinite period. “My aneurysm operation went badly” confides Christophe from his hospital room at the Besançon University Hospital, his voice marked by fatigue. “I was in a coma for 17 days. The kidneys, the lungs, nothing was working anymore. Now it's better, but I'm still weak“.
Since then, I haven't been back to the cafe. It hurts a lot. I see myself putting away the furniture, turning off all the machines. Contact and exchange with customers has been my daily life since 1991.
Christophe Tartry,manager of the Café de France, in Pontarlier
An unforeseen situation, when Karine is also on sick leave and has started chemotherapy to treat breast cancer. “We both found ourselves on the sidelines, for a longer period than expected.” adds Christophe. “With Karine, we find ourselves in the same place, but not in the right place: at the hospital, and not at the bar. Financially, we had done what was necessary to last five weeks. But there, with care, insurance, and no money coming in, it was starting to sting“.
A future puzzle quickly resolved, thanks to the love and generosity of loved ones and customers, many of whom have become friends. “I entered the Café de France for the first time four years ago” explains Frédéric Granclément, resident of Pontarlier. “I had just arrived here, I wanted to meet people. The atmosphere and the kindness of the owners appealed to me. I became a regular customer, then a friend of Christophe and Karine“.
“Like quite a few acquaintances, we knew about Karine's cancer and Christophe's operation“continues the regular.”But when I tried to go see him in the hospital, I quickly realized that it hadn't gone as planned. Karine gave us some news and I said to myself that something had to be done.“.
The idea then came to set up a fund to help the couple during this difficult period. “With a few clients, we created this online, with the aim of raising a few hundred euros to make ends meet.” resumes Frédéric Granclément. “But today, we are at more than 2,500 euros. It's incredible. We had great media coverage and we realized that Christophe and Karine are appreciated by everyone. Their café is not only a place of consumption, but a real creator of social ties“.
There is a beautiful solidarity, it warms the heart. Pontissaliens participated, customers, quite a few fellow cafe owners. It gives hope. And it will allow the Tartrys to concentrate on their health, their children and not think too much about finances.
Frédéric Granclément,friend of the Tartry couple, at the origin of the online prize pool
Only small worry, “we didn't know how Christophe was going to take this initiative“admits Frédéric.”Well that surprised me” assures the manager of the Café de France. “There were a lot of emotions. At first, I was rather reluctant. Out of pride, out of modesty. But I quickly accepted this as a beautiful mark of solidarity, of love. And it will really help us“.
Under the prize pool, the messages from donors are edifying and touching. “May your smiles and good humor both take back their place in the heart of Pontarlier“, “I join with all my heart for these beautiful people with humility and great valor“, “take the time you need to perk up, we'll be there when we reopen“.
Many messages, like so many proofs of love. “Seeing all this…I had tears in my eyes” says Christophe. “We tell ourselves that we do our job well, that we have created something around this place that is close to our hearts“.
The Tartrys hope to see this place again as quickly as possible. “I think the hardest part is over“hopes Christophe.”Now we will try to rebuild ourselves, to rest. And for the reopening, we have already planned a big party, with everyone who supported us. We're going to get there“. A welcome note of hope, which augurs better days.
