The French pulmonary hypertension association HtaPFrance has chosen the beautiful region of Sologne for the 2023 edition of the WEEF, Week-End-Enfants-Familles, and in particular the charming “Ferme de Courcimont”. Set in 11 hectares of woods, moorland and ponds, the Ferme de Courcimont is in the heart of the Sologne and less than 2 hours from Paris. The event was held from September 28 to October the 1st, 2023.
About 50 people took part in the WEEF, including children with pulmonary hypertension, their brothers, sisters, parents, grandparents and godparents. The specialized pediatric pulmonary hypertension cardiologist from the expert center at Necker Hospital (congenital heart disease and pulmonary hypertension), Prof. Damien Bonnet, came to spend part of the day, discussing treatments and physical activity. Two volunteers led a pastry workshop (see photo below) which was very successful with the children. HTaPFrance’s social worker, Ms Fabienne Simon, was also present.
HTaPFrance WEEFs have been held since 2007, and this was the first reunion after the COVID-19 pandemic. The aim of the WEEF is to combat the isolation that children with pulmonary hypertension and their families may be experiencing, create opportunities for children to connect with other children facing similar challenges, and also an opportunity for parents to meet other parents to share experiences and tips for living better with the condition. The WEEF is open to children up to 20 years of age, so the WEEF is also a chance to connect with paediatric patients who have transitioned into adulthood, offering hope and inspiration for the future.
