A joyful update from Pierre and Marc’s family, back home in France

When Pierre and Marc left RMHC Toronto with their three little ones last year, they carried more than just their luggage on the flight back to France. They brought home memories of resilience, love, and the kindness of strangers who helped them through one of the most intense – beautiful – chapters of their lives.

This story is a heartwarming follow-up to their journey. If you missed their original story, you can read it here. We’re thrilled to share how the family is doing now.

Today, their home in Bordeaux, France, is full of giggles, toddler footsteps, and the occasional tumble. Paul is walking, running, falling, and laughing as he gets up to try again. Zephir is making his very first moves from one chair to another, while Marcus, true to his nature, is taking his time and getting it just right on the first try.

“Everybody is doing super great,” says proud dad Pierre. “We are very proud to be part of such a happy family!”

The family’s time at RMHC Toronto left a lasting impact. “We will never forget about the kindness of the staff and volunteers, or the House,” Pierre says. “It will always have a special place in our hearts.” The bonds they made in Toronto continue to this day – with video calls to Amanda and Scarlett, fellow RMHC Toronto families they met during their stay. “I wish they could fly to us someday!”

And in a beautiful full-circle moment, Pierre is now volunteering at Ronald McDonald House in Bordeaux, paying it forward in honour of the support his family once received so far from home.

From high-risk births and NICU stays to first steps and new friendships, their family’s difficult journey was made easier by the care and compassion of our donors.

Because of you, they had a safe, supportive place to start life as a family of five. Those first steps, both literal and figurative, are only the beginning.