At Narbonne hospital, an enchanted break offered to sick children a few days before Christmas

Christmas for children from hospital pediatric departments stopped at the Narbonne hospital center this Wednesday, December 18, in the afternoon. This action is the continuation of the agreement signed on May 26, 2023 with the regional prefecture, the prefecture of Aude, the regional council of Occitanie, the departmental council of Aude, the Udaf of Aude, the City of Narbonne and the Lo Camin del sol association. Mickey, Minnie and even Santa Claus and his elves were there to sing, dance, give gifts, a snack and treats to these children whose daily lives are different from others.

This “sunny path” that Lo Camin del Sol forms is possible thanks to 300 volunteers. In Narbonne, there is Lionel, 34, disguised as an elf. His commitment dates back 4 years to the association, but he was born well before. “It’s a personal approach. I always wanted to help sick children. My story is that I had a very good friend in kindergarten, then in primary school. He died of leukemia when we were in 6^e.” For this young father of a 7-month-old Marius, his mission resonates even more strongly. And then there is Anne-Marie, the one whose face and heart would make you move mountains. She is the cornerstone of this path which she makes sunnier, the one who unites the volunteers. But, with the modesty that only makes her more altruistic, she prefers to shine a light on others: “Many took the day off to be here.”

So here is David, who came on purpose from Marseille. As he just takes off his white beard, the tenor says: “I met Anne-Marie for the association’s 10th anniversary. We were giving a concert with Mickaël Jones and I fell in love with the person and the involvement she has for children.” While the tenor tells us about the Marseillaise that he sang to welcome the Olympic flame in the Marseille city, Nathalie adds that she was there “to bring a little extra ray of sunshine to children and their parents.”

Chantal also praises the kindness of Anne-Marie, “my sister at heart. She told me about her association and I felt that she put children and volunteers first. I was touched and I gave my time and energy from that I can. If we had all remained children, the world would be a better place.”. So, she is there with her two daughters at the Narbonne hospital center. Sophie and Barbara played Mickey and Minnie, danced, sang for the children and they loved it. “It’s great. Even if there are drawings everywhere, these children are not there for a good reason and bringing the atmosphere, singing for them what they want, it makes them happy and this pleasure us pleases.”

Paul, with his guitar, enjoys “of this approach to making music differently. We give without expecting anything in return. These children arrive weakened and often leave more smiling, it’s gratifying“. Everyone contributed this December 18 to make the children forget a little why they are in this hospital bed.