Holiday Spirit Shines for Children in Palliative Care in Montreal

The festive season brings joy even to the most challenging situations, as shown by the efforts of staff at Le Phare, a palliative care organization in Montreal. This facility provides essential support to approximately 200 families, offering respite for parents and care for children with limited life expectancy, particularly during the holiday period.

Le Phare operates with 12 beds dedicated to children facing severe health challenges, including those with cancer and various rare conditions. For many of these children, like four-and-a-half-year-old Adrien, life expectancy remains uncertain. Adrien was born with a rare genetic disease, with only about 20 similar cases identified globally. He experiences multiple disabilities, including blindness, partial deafness, epilepsy, and significant intellectual challenges. His mother, Gabrielle Gonthier, highlights the importance of cherishing each day, stating, “We enjoy each day as if it were our last, not knowing what tomorrow will bring.”

A special event last week showcased the holiday spirit. A parade featuring emergency services, including police, paramedics, and firefighters, brought excitement to the children of Le Phare. Gonthier noted it provided a welcome distraction, allowing her to attend her other child’s Christmas concert while Adrien enjoyed the festivities.

Ariane Parent-Lemay, director of care and services at Le Phare, emphasized the significance of such events. “It’s a reminder that the magic of the holidays can be more difficult for some, but we are still able to bring beauty and joy,” she remarked. The parade has been a tradition for six years, aiming to infuse moments of light into the lives of families facing difficult realities.

The emotional weight of the holidays is felt deeply by both families and staff. One anonymous employee, who adopted a child with multiple disabilities, shared her experiences. Despite her background in nursing and familiarity with disabilities, she found the reality of caregiving to be a profound challenge. “It’s like moving house, even for a Christmas party,” she explained, referring to the logistics of attending family gatherings with a child who requires extensive care.

In December, she utilized respite days offered by Le Phare, allowing her some much-needed rest. She recalled memorable moments spent with families during her shifts, including a poignant New Year’s Eve countdown with a family at the bedside of a terminally ill child. “It’s a privilege to share these intimate and beautiful moments with families,” she said.

The holiday season can also bring feelings of guilt for parents who utilize palliative care services. Gonthier mentioned that her family opted for a quieter Christmas celebration at home this year, as they have previously celebrated at Le Phare while visiting extended family. Parent-Lemay noted the need to address the guilt many families feel about taking breaks. “The idea is to allow them to enjoy the holiday season,” she explained, underscoring the importance of self-care for parents to better support their children.

Le Phare ensures that children receive gifts during the holidays, with Santa Claus making an appearance to delight the young patients. Collaborative performances from local partners, such as Les Grands Ballets Canadiens and the Orchestre Métropolitain de Montréal, further enrich the festive atmosphere.

The commitment of Le Phare to brighten the lives of children and their families during the holiday season serves as a testament to the power of community support in the face of hardship. As Parent-Lemay put it, “Even at the end of life, we are able to find moments of light.” This report by The Canadian Press was first published in French on December 20, 2025. The Canadian Press’s health coverage is supported by a partnership with the Canadian Medical Association. The Canadian Press is solely responsible for this journalistic content.