MONTREAL – The Montreal Children’s Hospital is home to hundreds of miracle workers – but they’re not all doctors and nurses.
More than a dozen Child Life specialists are on a mission to make life a little easier for sick patients and their parents.
“Our job is really to help them though this difficult experience through play and through different activities and through the relationship we establish with them,” said Bertrand Dupuis, who has been working his magic at the Children’s for 35 years.
He makes kids believe he’s there just for fun, when in reality he’s more of their lifeline.
“It might be for an IV insertion, for example, you can bring a guy like Bertrand in and they’ll work with you as you’re doing the actual physical technique.”
“He works with the child to calm [them] down.”
The Montreal Children’s Hospital is the only pediatric hospital in the province that has Child Life specialists.
Dupuis is one of two specialists working in the oncology ward.
Over the years, he has helped educate and empower hundreds of sick children.
“When they’re sick, you really want to do everything to make them better and to make them smile,” he said, adding he feels honoured to be able to help ease the pain during what is often the darkest chapter in a child’s life.
Some patients have nicknamed him Santa, because he’s always bearing gifts.
“The kids are going through a lot. It’s not a question of spoiling them,” said Dupuis.
“It’s a question of having them have a good time while they’re in the hospital.”
“He’s so nice and very funny,” said 7-year old Maritsa Pierre, who has been battling cancer for 3 years.
Dupuis’ co-workers said they admire him, calling him a mentor and a truly compassionate soul.
“When I think of Bertrand I think of kindness. I think of generosity,” said Child Life specialist Anna Paliotti.
“He helps me with my work and inspires me regularly.”
Nurses said they have also noticed the special bond between Dupuis and his patients.
“He’s always there to help them. All the kids love him,”said nurse Marisa Kelley.
“They request him on weekends when he’s not working.”
Though the job is challenging, Dupuis said he can’t imagine doing anything else.
“It’s a very, very rewarding job to be Santa for these children and to accompany them in what they’re going through,” he said.
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