The heart and historical program of the association L'Envol primarily consists of its medically supervised summer camps. Additionally, three other initiatives allow for contact with children - and their families - who have never had the opportunity or ability to leave home or the hospital: activity and game kits designed for hospitals, therapeutic leisure workshops led by employees or volunteers of the association directly in pediatric departments, and finally, recreational outings that help families regain confidence through cultural activities, allowing them to leave their homes on Wednesday afternoons, weekends, and enjoy quality time together.
Through these four programs, the association currently supports 8,000 beneficiaries, including sick children, their siblings, and their parents. Since its inception in 1997, it has assisted around 40,000 children and their families in their battle against illness. “L'Envol exists because sick children must simply remain children,” explains Joanna Jammes. “And for that, they need to meet friends in a secure environment where they can connect with peers, with children who are experiencing the same challenges. We believe that sick children are the adults of tomorrow. They will also participate in society, and it is important that we give them every possible chance to realize their potential.”
L'Envol is part of a large international movement that includes 30 organizations worldwide, the first of which was established 30 years ago by actor Paul Newman, who financed the construction of the very first medically supervised holiday center tailored for sick children, regardless of their conditions, including associated disabilities and intensive medical care.
“It happens that in France, the psychosocial healing phase of hospitalized children is not covered by the state,” explains Joanna Jammes. “The treatment of children, of course, their hospitalization, obviously, but even though healthcare staff are increasingly aware that a child with a good morale will be much stronger in fighting their illness, the hospital is not equipped to provide this type of care. Yet, it is not just better to do so. It is truly essential.”
