5 days that change their lives... And mine!

Volunteering at L'ENVOL means letting yourself be transformed by the energy of the children, by their courage and their desire to have fun and live their lives like any other young person, despite their illness. It means leaving with a slightly bigger heart, and an irrepressible desire to come back.

Organizing recreational stays for sick children in France

L'ENVOL

Soon <b>200 recreational outings for children</b>!

families affected by a child's illness or disability

of children feel able to achieve things despite their illness following a stay with us

Label IDEAS

Bénédicte Jobert

<div>Dear Difters,<br><br>When a child falls ill, the whole family is mobilized. Parents, brothers and sisters become <strong>aidants</strong>, taking on the day-to-day care, medical appointments and management of family life. An indispensable but often invisible commitment, which can lead to <strong>isolation, fatigue and emotional exhaustion</strong>. In France, nearly 11 million people are considered caregivers.</div><div> </div><div>Faced with these challenges, supporting caregivers is essential to preserve the balance of the whole family. That's why L'ENVOL has been developing programs specifically designed for them for several years: <strong>family stays, sibling stays or brothers &amp; sisters stays</strong>. These moments enable families to break out of isolation, exchange with others facing the same realities, and find time to breathe again. for minor caregivers, it's an opportunity to take advantage of programs designed especially for them and to regain their place as children, challenged by their loved one's illness.</div><div> </div><div>In 2025, thanks to the commitment of our partners, <strong>eight dedicated stays for caregivers have been organized</strong>, enabling nearly <strong>170 parents and siblings</strong> to experience a genuine interlude away from everyday medical life. These experiences offer moments of sharing, relaxation and reconstruction, essential for strengthening family resilience. By accompanying caregivers, L'ENVOL also helps to support children and offer them the best conditions to move forward in the face of illness!<br><br>Thank you for your support, which makes it all possible! </div>

Focus on caregivers!

<div>Hello dear Difteurs,<br><br>
</div><div>
<strong>The entire L'ENVOL team sends you its warmest wishes for a year 2026 rich in adventure and unforgettable moments.<br></strong><br>
</div><div>We are delighted to announce that <strong>film will be our theme for the next two years</strong>, with the emblematic phrase: <strong>"</strong><em>Together in the spotlight</em><strong> </strong><em>!"</em>. Guided by this inspiring theme, we will be organizing <strong>11 adapted stays throughout the year</strong>, as well as numerous <strong>outings, hospital workshops and delivery of activity kits</strong>.<br><br>
</div><div>Again this year, in the image of the great national cause, <strong>mental health</strong> is a major issue, and we are pursuing our commitment to creating <strong>secure spaces</strong> where families and children can recharge their batteries and feel understood.<br><br>
</div><div>So, once again a<strong>huge thank you to you for your generosity</strong>, which every year enables us to continue our mission and offer unforgettable moments to L'ENVOL's beneficiaries.<br><br>
</div><div>See you soon, <br><br>
</div><div>The entire L'ENVOL team <br><br>
</div>

2026 begins... and cinema takes center stage!

<div>
<br>This year, L'ENVOL had set itself an ambitious challenge: <strong>to welcome more than 500 children and caregivers on its flagship program, adapted stays.</strong>To meet this challenge, there was no other choice than to increase our funding.<br><br>In a difficult context of an overall drop in subsidies to associations, L'ENVOL was able to count on the generosity of its Difteurs throughout the year. In 2025, <strong>511 beneficiaries took advantage of our stays, 81 more than last year, a real success</strong>. In the face of strong demand from families and hospitals and long waiting lists, that's 81 more smiles, made possible <strong>thanks to you</strong>, who guarantee the continuity of our missions and their gratuity. </div><div><br></div><div>
<strong><em>"You have enabled me to strengthen the bond with my sick child, and also between my daughters."</em></strong> Alexandra, beneficiary mom<br><br>Each of your contributions<strong> </strong>is a precious link in the chain of solidarity that carries sick children and caregivers towards better mental health. <strong>By continuing to support L'ENVOL</strong>, you can help us prepare as well as possible for 2026, for which we're aiming for a total of 562 beneficiaries on our stays! </div><div><br></div><div>Without you, none of this would be possible. Many thanks!</div>

A year of challenges met thanks to you

<div>
<strong>Dear Difters,</strong><br><br><strong>Thanks to your support</strong>, summer 2025 was a real success for L'ENVOL and the children we accompany. Between July and August, we organized <strong>4 adapted stays, welcoming 181 youngsters</strong> (children with serious pathologies and their siblings). Together, they enjoyed numerous creative and sporting activities, designed to <strong>foster autonomy, confidence and above all the pleasure of simply being a child</strong>. In particular, we had a <strong>climbing wall</strong> brought all the way to La Rochette (77) so that all the youngsters could enjoy it, whatever their physical abilities!"<br><br><strong><em>"I've just returned from my best stay at L'ENVOL"</em></strong><strong>Killya 15</strong><br><br>But the start of the new school year was also punctuated by an exceptional <strong>event</strong>! <br><br><strong>The ZEvent</strong>: incredible news! L'ENVOL was extremely fortunate to be one of the beneficiaries of this charity event on Twitch. Thanks to the mobilization of over 350 streamers and thousands of donors, as well as the Fondation de France, <strong>over €16 million was raised for 8 healthcare associations</strong>! <br><br>Faced with all this good news, L'ENVOL is more than motivated to continue to <strong>offer sick children the vacations they deserve</strong>, with your help.<br><br>With all our gratitude,<br><br>L'ENVOL team</div>

A summer to remember!

<div> <strong>Dear Difteur-ses,</strong>
</div><br><div>As we reach the halfway point of this year 2025, we would like to share with you <strong>the highlights that marked the first half of L'ENVOL. </strong>
</div><br><div>Thanks to your support, L'ENVOL has pursued its mission with determination: <strong>offering moments of respite and reconstruction to seriously ill children and their families</strong>, in a caring and secure setting.</div><br><div>
<strong>Already 215 beneficiaries have taken advantage of our 4 medical and respite stays</strong>, organized in the spring during school vacations or on extended weekends. Cooking workshops, mini-golf, theater or adapted biathlon: children and parents were able to have fun without the constraints of the disease!</div><br><div><strong><em>"At L'ENVOL, I learned to do new activities on my own."</em></strong></div><div><strong><em>"I learned that even if you have an illness, you can still have fun."</em></strong></div><br><div><strong><em>"During this weekend, there was sharing, exchanges, emotional moments and encounters with fabulous people. It gave me a boost during this rather difficult period. But above all, I realize that I can put my trust in other people and entrust you with my daughter, who's just waiting to take flight!"</em></strong></div><br><div>As we<strong> actively prepare for the second half of the year</strong>, we'd like to thank you for supporting L'ENVOL. It's <strong>thanks to your help</strong> that all these extraordinary moments are accessible to the families and children <strong>who need them most</strong>.</div><br><div>With all our gratitude,</div><br><div>L'ENVOL team </div>

Let's sum up the first 6 months of 2025 at L'ENVOL 🤩

<div>Dear Difteur-ses,</div><br><div>Today, I'd like to return to the impact of our stays on our beneficiaries. </div><br><div>Because children affected by the disease are more likely to experience isolation, anxiety, a loss of autonomy or even the impossibility of going on vacation with other young people their age, <strong>a L'ENVOL stay transforms them</strong>! For them, it's a unique opportunity to live in a community, try out new activities - in short, experience the joys of a summer camp and <strong>recover their place as a child</strong>!</div><br><div>Here are some figures that alone illustrate <strong>the impact of your support</strong>. On our stays, <strong>98% of children made friends and 93% succeeded in activities without help</strong>. These suspended moments are essential for these youngsters who, all too often, see their daily lives dictated by illness. </div><br><div>Among them is <strong>Ranya, 14</strong>, who, after a difficult year marked by isolation at school, experienced her first stay with L'ENVOL. She came away transformed, with renewed confidence: <em>"It's the first time she's managed to make friends since arriving in France after a difficult school year. I've found her smiling again and more confident, so a big thank you!"</em> declares the doctor who follows her to the L'ENVOL teams. </div><br><div><strong>It's these journeys, these everyday victories, that you make possible through your commitment to us, THANK YOU! </strong></div>

The impact of our stays

<div>Dear difteurs,</div><br><div>We're here, the year 2025 has begun! 🎈</div><br><div>After a successful year in 2024, between <strong>adapted sport and events at the 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games</strong>, we want to go even further in our ambition to turn our little L'ENVOL heroes into great champions! Through adapted sports activities and thanks to the <strong>recreational therapy</strong> that showcases their exploits, children and parents see their<strong>mental health</strong> improve. On our programs, they will surpass themselves, and find strength and hope in their fight against illness.</div><br><div>🌟 To accompany them, the <strong><a href="https://www.lenvol.asso.fr/calendar-of-programs/">program 2025</a></strong> is packed:</div><div>- <strong>10 therapeutic</strong> and respite stays; </div><div>- <strong>+100 workshops</strong> in hospitals; </div><div>- <strong>+50 recreational</strong> outings; </div><div>- <strong>3800 activity kits</strong> sent to hospitals.</div><div> </div><div>As <strong>we pass the milestone of 40,000 beneficiaries accompanied</strong> since 1997, together we turn children's hardships into feats, and improve their mental health. <strong>We thank you most sincerely for being at our side</strong> to achieve this immense challenge!</div><br><div>Happy New Year to all! ✨</div>

Happy 2025!

<div><strong> Dear difteurs,</strong></div><br><div>The festive season has already begun at L'ENVOL!</div><br><div>On Thursday, December 5, children hospitalized at the Centre Hospitalier d'Argenteuil were visited by <strong>L'ENVOL's Santa</strong>, who handed out gifts, and a balloon sculptor who delighted young and old with his creations!</div><br><div>This event marks the start of the festivities organized by L'ENVOL: the <strong><a href="https://www.lenvol.asso.fr/programmes-surprises/">surprise programs</a></strong>. <strong>Throughout December</strong>, thanks to donations, collections and the mobilization of our partners, we are preparing several visits by L'ENVOL's Santa Claus and <strong>distribution of gifts</strong>, as well as animations like balloon sculpture in <strong>several hospitals in Ile-de-France and Lyon</strong>! </div><br><div>These surprise programs enable us to <strong>enjoy the festive season for over 400 hospitalized children</strong>, who may not be able to go home due to their state of health. <strong>Children, parents and even caregivers</strong> then enjoy together precious moments of entertainment, sharing and joy, during this festive period.</div><br><div>
<strong>A big thank you to you, dear donors, for your precious donations and support!</strong> </div>

The festive season begins at L'ENVOL!

<div>Dear difteurs,</div><br><div>The last stay of this year ended on November 11, marking the <strong>end of L'ENVOL's 2024 stays</strong>. Between mini-golf, creative and self-expression workshops, and cooking classes, the <strong>15 families</strong> present were able to enjoy convivial and enriching moments!</div><br><div>Throughout the year, <strong>430 children affected by serious illness, as well as their close caregivers,</strong> have benefited from these privileged moments of respite and activities adapted to all.</div><br><div>The year 2024 is particularly marked by the success of our <strong>antenne Rhône-Alpes, </strong>with an increase in the participation of beneficiaries coming from the Lyon region. In all, <strong>12 children, </strong>one young adult (aged 18-25) and 3 siblings took part in a stay for single children. In addition, <strong>8 families</strong> took part in a stay welcoming parents and children, for a total of 41 beneficiaries.</div><br><div>Before the <strong>resumption of stays next April</strong>, the L'ENVOL team and its <strong>super volunteers</strong> are continuing with hospital workshops, recreational outings and activity kit deliveries, and getting ready for the festive season!"</div><br><div><strong>A big thank you to you, dear donors, for your invaluable donations and support! </strong></div>

The end of the 2024 stays!

<div>Dear Captains,<br> <br>As autumn settles in, it's time for a summer retrospective at L'ENVOL!! <br><br>
</div><div>The 4 summer stays went off with a bang. <strong>147 beneficiaries,</strong> seriously ill children and their siblings, took advantage of a unique opportunity to make friends and discover new activities, <strong>like all children their age</strong>: outings to leisure parks, adapted sports, cultural visits, creative workshops... <br><br>
</div><div>But the <strong>big news this summer</strong> was indeed <strong>the Olympic and Paralympic Games</strong>! L'ENVOL was able to offer <strong>1315</strong>sick children, family caregivers and volunteers tickets to attend <strong>89 different events</strong> in exceptional venues! An incredible opportunity for our beneficiaries to take part in this historic event and regain their self-confidence, even in difficult times: <br><br>
</div><div>
<em>"And here we are, it's D-day, thanks for Cameron. Our champion is just out of chemo this morning. He used to play basketball, now it's not possible because of the disease. </em><strong><em>Watching the game gives him back his strength!</em></strong><em>Thanks to you we're enjoying a </em><strong><em>great moment of escape into the Olympic world</em></strong><em>."</em> the mother of Cameron, 13. <br><br>
</div><div>Thank you<strong> to the Captains of L'ENVOL</strong>, whose support enables us to make the summers of these families affected by illness magical!  </div>

A look back at an exceptional summer at L'ENVOL!

<div> <strong>270 beneficiaries of L'ENVOL</strong>, sick children, parents and siblings, were able to enjoy <strong>the privatized</strong> Paris Zoological Park, during a magical evening in early June! <br><br>
</div><div>
<strong><em>The "Dreamnight", what is it? </em></strong><br><br>
</div><div>More than 270 zoological parks in 36 countries worldwide open their doors every year free of charge to children with disabilities or affected by serious illness, as well as their parents, brothers and sisters. The movement was born in 1996 in the Netherlands, on the initiative of an animal caretaker. <strong>This year, at the Vincennes Zoo, it's L'ENVOL that has been able to benefit!</strong> <br><br>
</div><div>Families were delighted to discover <strong>interactive and educational workshops</strong> such as a visit to the zoo's veterinary clinic, moments of <strong>discovery of the animals</strong> (feeding the giraffes, baboons, pumas...) and <strong>sharing</strong> as a family and with the volunteers. <br><br>
</div><div>
<strong>An evening rich in emotion</strong>, made possible thanks to the Paris Zoological Park and its staff, who organized and hosted this superb event on a voluntary basis to benefit L'ENVOL families. <br><br>
</div><div>This "Dreamnight" evening is part of our program of <strong>recreational outings</strong>, offered throughout the year by L'ENVOL to sick children and their families. <strong>Free of charge, these cultural, sporting or educational half-days are a breath of fresh air in their daily lives punctuated by illness</strong>, and enable them to enjoy good times with their families. </div>

Dreamnight at the zoo !

<div>At L'ENVOL, our mission is to offer sick children the <strong>possibility to have fun</strong> like any other child and to offer families a <strong>place to exchange and recharge</strong>, by understanding the issues our beneficiaries face. To assess how our medicalized respite stays help them, <strong>we concretely measure their impact</strong> <strong>on their mental and psychosocial health</strong> through questionnaires sent to children at the end of the stay, and then to parents a few months later. <br><br><br>These data reveal the incredible transformative power our programs have on the lives of our beneficiaries. Thus, <strong>L'ENVOL addresses 3 main challenges to improve the mental and social well-being of sick children and their families</strong>: <br><br><br>
</div><div>&lt;&gt;  <strong>LEAVING THE SELF-IMPOSED BARRIERS</strong> <br><br>
</div><div>
<em>"At L'ENVOL, I learned to be more confident and courageous"</em> Malak, age 9 <br><br>
</div><div>Despite the challenges associated with their illness, <strong>64% of children succeed in surpassing their limits during L'ENVOL stays</strong>. They discover an unsuspected strength that boosts their confidence in themselves and their bodies, through our adapted activities. <br><br>
</div><div>&gt;  <strong>RECOVER TO OTHERS</strong> <br><br>
</div><div>
<em>"At L'ENVOL, I learned benevolence and to have fun despite the worries outside",</em> a 16-year-old teenager <br><br>
</div><div>At L'ENVOL, brothers and sisters of sick children benefit from a privileged space for exchange during the stay dedicated to them. <strong>94% of siblings are happy to have met other children who share a similar situation following the stay</strong>. They feel free to share their feelings and concerns with young people who understand their daily family life. <br><br>
</div><div>&gt;  <strong>RECOVERING AN (ALMOST) NORMAL LIFE</strong> <br><br>
</div><div>
<em>"This stay really gave me a breather, without worry, and that's priceless</em>", a mom <br><br>
</div><div>By creating positive memories with parents of sick children, the stays act as a source of inspiration and emotional support in the face of stressful situations, daily challenges and difficult times. <strong>80% of parents say that recalling their weekend at L'ENVOL helps them to overcome difficulties</strong> with greater resilience and determination. <br><br>
</div><div><br></div><div>For sick children but also for their close caregivers, these stays represent a precious bubble of air and the chance to enjoy a rich experience. For this reason, L'ENVOL warmly thanks all its partners and Captains who support our programs!  </div>

The challenges of mental well-being for sick children and their caregivers

<div>Since 2018, the activities offered by L'ENVOL have been punctuated by a theme: stars, animals, comics, travel.... On the occasion of the Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games, the theme of our programs over the years 2024-2026 is sport, but not just any sport! <strong>Adapted sport</strong> is in the spotlight, and our slogan for these next two years of seriousness and fun is: <a href="https://www.lenvol.asso.fr/actualites/2024-2025-le-sport-adapte-a-lhonneur/"><strong>"All on the same team!"</strong></a>
</div><div><br></div><div>This choice stems from an observation, that sport is less accessible for sick and disabled children than for able-bodied children. According to the Ministry of Sports and the Olympic and Paralympic Games, 70% of people with disabilities say they are interested in sport, but only 47% take part in regular sporting activity. <br><br>
</div><div>Or, sport is a lever for social inclusion. What's more, <strong>adapted physical activity is part of </strong><a href="https://www.lenvol.asso.fr/la-therapie-recreative/"><strong>recreational therapy</strong></a><strong> </strong>and enables patients to regain confidence in themselves and their bodies despite their illness, as paediatric rheumatologist Professor Alexandre Belot explains:<em>"Illness is often experienced as an obstacle to engaging in physical activity. Our young patients also have "the right" to go to the gym, to play a team sport and to have a sports coach! It's a fantastic lever, especially for teenagers, to facilitate continuity of care. "</em>
</div><div>Sporting activities are therefore an integral part of L'ENVOL stays, as they help to improve physical and mental health: <strong>climbing sessions, sand yachting, hiking and group games</strong> are regularly organized on our stays and convey values such as mutual aid, cooperation and surpassing oneself. Following an adapted rock-climbing session, Clara, 13, for example, declares: <em>"I've made some great discoveries such as rock-climbing. It feels good not to have to explain all the time why I'm restricted in my activities and to be understood."<br> <br></em>According to the figures and testimonials from our 2023 impact questionnaires, <strong>72% of children feel stronger at the end of a stay, 64% didn't think they'd be able to achieve all they did </strong>despite the illness, and this is partly thanks to the sports sessions offered by L'ENVOL. </div><div>
<br>These sports activities are tailored to each child, his or her abilities and the goals he or she sets, and supervised by our qualified teams and trained volunteers, to enable a<strong>care experience that's both safe and in good spirits</strong>! </div>

"All in the same team! adapted sport honored by L'ENVOL

<div>L'ENVOL has been bringing the magic of Christmas to hospitalized children since the beginning of December!<br>Distribution of personalized gifts, appearances by Santa Claus and magicians: moments of joy for children far from their families during the holidays.</div>

Christmas at the hospital: an enchanted interlude!

<div>Pierre-Hugo and Matteo were born prematurely at 7 months' gestation, which is when the doctors realized that Matteo was born without an anus. <strong>The diagnosis was made a few days later, Matteo had Vacterl syndrome*.</strong>
</div><div> </div><div>
<strong>The two brothers grew up separately</strong>: Matteo in hospital between Necker, Bullion and various rehabilitation centers and Pierre-Hugo at home. The parents had to divide up the management of the children due to hospitalizations in Paris, the family residing in Essonne. Pierre-Bruno looks after Pierre-Hugo, while Nora looks after Matteo. </div><div><strong> </strong></div><div>
<strong>Nora discovered L'ENVOL</strong> when looking for a summer camp for Matteo. Conventional structures refuse to welcome him, as his illness requires a lot of daily care. It was the first time that <strong>Matteo could go on vacation with other children and discover new activities that had remained inaccessible to him until that first stay at L'ENVOL. </strong>
</div><div> </div><div>A few months later, <strong>Pierre-Hugo joined a L'ENVOL stay dedicated solely to brothers and sisters of sick children.</strong> He talks about it with emotion, it was an opportunity for him to feel understood, to find his place again, to laugh a lot, to surpass himself, to have more self-confidence and <strong>above all to be happy</strong>. </div><div> </div><div>Pierre-Bruno and Nora are unanimous: <strong>their children return metamorphosed</strong>, full of strength to face their daily lives punctuated by Matteo's illness. In October 2023, the two brothers came together for the first time on one of L'ENVOL's Fratries stays, enabling them to strengthen fraternal bonds tested by illness!</div>

Matteo and Pierre-Hugo, a brothers' holiday to forget illness

<div>After enjoying their vacation days at L'ENVOL, our 142 youngsters returned home with their heads full of memories! On the first day of each stay, everyone arrived with their own challenge: spending several days away from their parents, meeting new people, discovering new activities, new places.... And yet, at the end of each week, the goodbyes were difficult, a sign that they had accomplished much more than simply attending a summer camp. In addition to offering them high-quality medical care, this multi-pathology stay enabled them to gain in confidence, autonomy and resilience. Small victories that they will return to in their daily lives, and which will help them to live better with the disease, the better to overcome it.</div>

Where illness prevents, L'ENVOL opens up the field of possibilities 🎈

<div>The L'ENVOL team will have worked for 2 years to ensure that 12-year-old <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pjgbJCxgyKA">Liloo</a> would be welcomed on a L'ENVOL stay without taking the slightest risk to her health. Living with a small intestine twice as short as average, Liloo spent most of her childhood in hospital and can't feed herself. Every other day, therefore, the amount of nutrients she needs must be administered directly into <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1dC9t2UZ_1g">her bloodstream</a>. The little girl remains hooked up to her feed for 12 hours each time.</div><div><br></div><div>For Liloo, attending summer camp is quite impossible. But L'ENVOL has risen to the challenge.<br><br>
</div><div>Frequent exchanges with the hospital's referring doctors to understand medical needs, <a href="https://www.lenvol.asso.fr/devenir-benevole/">recruitment</a> and training of volunteer doctors and nurses able to administer care, adaptation of activities such as climbing or theater so that Liloo can excel in the same way as any other child, setting up the route to reach the place of stay... The L'ENVOL team has been mastering these necessary steps for over 25 years.<br><br>
</div><div>Although Liloo's case is particularly complex, it is not an isolated one. The L'ENVOL team prepares to accompany each child for an average of 6 months before his or her stay. It's a medical and human challenge that the association's educators, nurses and organizers take up every year, so that sick children <a href="https://www.lenvol.asso.fr/benefices-de-nos-sejours/">find strength and confidence</a> in their fight against illness.</div>

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For trips to benefit ENVOL's sick children

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