For Alice, finding places where she could participate fully hasn’t always been easy.
She lives with alternating hemiplegia, a rare neurological condition that can cause unpredictable episodes of partial or complete paralysis. During these episodes, she may temporarily lose the ability to move, speak, or feed herself while remaining fully conscious.
Because stress and fatigue can trigger these episodes, finding a camp that could safely support her medical needs—and give her the chance to participate independently—had long felt out of reach.
For her mother, Catherine, the thought of sending Alice away independently was a big step. Then they discovered L’ENVOL, our SeriousFun camp in France.
After attending a family weekend together, Catherine experienced something she hadn’t expected: confidence that Alice could safely experience camp on her own.
“We were won over by everyone’s energy and big hearts,” she said. “So much so that Alice asks me every day to sign her up for a week without her parents this summer.”
One summer, Alice was able to do just that as she attended camp independently for the very first time. She arrived while still recovering from a paralysis episode that had begun the previous week and, during camp, experienced additional episodes that required support with mobility, eating, and daily activities. But surrounded by experienced medical professionals, counselors, and volunteers, she was able to participate enthusiastically in nearly every activity, game, and evening program.
She experienced the freedom to try new things, make choices, and participate fully alongside her peers. With the support she needed already in place, Alice was able to make friends and take part in the full rhythm of camp life.
“Her determination, kindness, and joy left a lasting impression on everyone around her,” said Charline, a member of the L’ENVOL staff.
For Catherine, the experience transformed more than a single week.
Watching Alice thrive gave Catherine reassurance that her daughter could safely explore new experiences with people who understood her medical needs and recognized her strengths, interests, and individuality—not just her diagnosis.
“She came back absolutely delighted and happy!” Catherine said.
Camp didn’t change Alice’s condition. It changed what became possible when the environment was designed to include her.