The Care Team : The Beating Heart of Maison Papillon

Behind the excellence of our services stands an extraordinary care team. Far more than experts in complex care, our professionals are companions along the journey for children and their families. Whether offering a moment of respite, supporting a delicate transition, or providing end-of-life care, their role is to protect dignity and nurture hope. Through listening and compassion, they create a calming oasis where each family can simply be together, in peace.

Adding Life to Days: The Commitment of Maison Papillon

At Maison Papillon Enfants et Familles, we believe that even in fragility, every moment deserves to be lived with depth and gentleness. Our mission is simple, yet essential: to soften the experience of pediatric palliative care, making it a deeply human journey, surrounded by warmth and light. Here, we do not take care away—we add life to it, transforming every clinical act into a moment of shared kindness.

Because at Maison Papillon, we don’t just treat symptoms—we care for the child and the family, one butterfly beat at a time.

What is the most meaningful gift you receive in your day?

Sophia: It’s not a formal “thank you”—it’s a sigh of relief. When I see a parent’s shoulders relax, or a child fall peacefully asleep because their pain has finally eased. These moments of peace give full meaning to my vocation.

Geneviève: The smiles and “thank yous” from parents are always appreciated, but the most meaningful gift is when it comes from the child: a thank you, a big smile, a hug, a high five, or a drawing they made during the visit—it warms the heart so deeply. Knowing that a child trusts us to care for their health is incredibly precious. The cherry on top is when I schedule a follow-up visit and the child says, “I’d like to see you again tomorrow!”

If you were an object in a child’s room, what would you be?

Sophia: I would be a night light. I’m there to cast a soft, reassuring glow when the darkness feels overwhelming, but I’m also mobile—I move at the child’s pace. I stay by their bedside to ensure their technical comfort, while remaining discreet enough to preserve the family’s intimacy. I am that point of light that says, without words: “Sleep peacefully, I’m watching over everything.”

Geneviève: A very colorful stuffed toy that plays music! I would want to be the toy you grab when you want to dance, sing, or play, while also offering gentle comfort. I’d have all the colors of the rainbow to reflect every emotion a child may feel; soft songs and lively tunes depending on the moment; and the ability to change my facial expression to make them laugh or feel reassured. Don’t worry—“Baby Shark” would not be part of my repertoire!

What is your secret superpower for softening difficult moments?

Sophia: My superpower is the “invisible gown.” I have medical knowledge, but I choose to sit at the bedside and talk about life—not just the diagnosis. My secret is to normalize the extraordinary: to laugh with a child between treatments and turn a technical procedure into a moment of tenderness. I simplify the moment by showing that behind the nurse is a human being—someone who understands, listens, and dares to share emotions with them.

Geneviève: I try to bring a touch of humor, when the situation allows. It always feels good to laugh, even when everything around us is heavy. I also believe in the healing and unifying power of music—and I sing fairly well—so I would use the superpower of music: listening to or singing a song the child loves.

If your care bag were magical, what unusual things would we find inside?

Sophia: You’d of course find my stethoscope—but above all, an endless supply of candy (my universal remedy!), a notebook filled with sketched ideas, and an invisible wand to transform difficult moments into gentle melodies. There would also be a huge dose of commitment: the kind of bag where, no matter the urgency, you always find a creative solution, a fresh idea, or a smile to calm the storm.

Geneviève: A magical ice cream machine with extraordinary flavors! Ice cream that tastes like the beach, like mom’s kisses, like the warmth of a cozy bed—not to mention unicorn-flavored ice cream! I could combine one of children’s favorite treats with a soft, comforting memory. With the option to add sprinkles and confetti!