Chantal Poullain Recalls Unique Experiences Witnessed at 80 Not Found in France

Chantal Poullain’s Archa Chantal Foundation: Humanizing Healthcare for Children

French actress Chantal Poullain established the Archa chantal Foundation in 1993 with a mission too transform children’s healthcare facilities.Learn about her inspiration and the impact of her work.

Chantal Poullain. Photo: Vít Hassan.

The Archa chantal Foundation, founded in 1993 by French actress and chansonier Chantal Poullain, focuses on “humanization of children’s healthcare facilities.” This vision materialized at the University Hospital in Motol, where the inpatient department of Pediatric Hematology and oncology underwent a significant transformation.

Creating a “Way around the World”

The foundation’s efforts turned the hospital department into a vibrant “way around the world,” incorporating art, decorations, wallpapers, stickers, and new furniture. These changes aim to create a more welcoming and comforting habitat for young patients.

Inspiration and Motivation

Poullain credits her upbringing for instilling the values that led to the foundation’s creation. “My whole education, my mother told me as a young girl that if I got, I could give me. Such as, she let us pack gifts for Christmas, then we went to the hospital or families that had no money. She still led us in the direction that if you could, you should help.When you give, you get. If you are lucky, you should think of those who do not have it,” Poullain saeid.

A Child’s outlook Sparks Change

The initial idea for the foundation arose during a hospital visit in Brno with her young son, Vladimir. “He told me,” Mom, why is it so sad hear? Why aren’t there toys? ” He was surprised, becuase wherever we were in the world where we were, they had playrooms. I promised him to work on it,” Poullain recalled. This simple question from a child became the catalyst for her impactful work.

Culture as Nourishment

Reflecting on her arrival in Czechoslovakia at the age of 80 (Note: age should likely be 20), Poullain observed a deep thankfulness for culture. “I have to admit that it was a big difference for me. In France, culture is very vital, but when I came to Czechoslovakia, I felt that culture was like food for people. They needed it, I never saw in France that people were sleeping in a sleeping bag in front of the theater to have the best tickets,” she noted, highlighting the cultural enthusiasm she witnessed.

Navigating Czech Humor and Language

Poullain finds Czech humor similar to French humor and enjoys the work of Zdeněk Svěrák, although she admits, “I love it, but it is hard to understand them many times.” She also fondly remembers her former husband, Bolek Polívka, stating, “Of course my frist humorist and comedian was bolek for me, how many times he inspired me, but there are a lot of other comedians I love. I like humor that is sensitive and intelligent.” She describes her relationship with Polívka as positive, saying, “We get along great, life goes on.”

Regarding the Czech language, Poullain shared, “But I never learned Czech, never, I have eavesdropped. I lived among people and I learned this way.”

The Importance of a Welcoming Hospital Environment

Research consistently shows that a positive and stimulating environment can considerably improve patient outcomes, especially for children. Studies published in the Journal of pediatric Psychology have demonstrated that art therapy and playful surroundings can reduce anxiety, pain perception, and length of hospital stays. The Archa Chantal Foundation’s dedication to transforming pediatric healthcare facilities aligns with these findings,creating spaces that foster healing and well-being. (Citation needed)

Looking Ahead

Chantal Poullain’s dedication to humanizing children’s healthcare through the Archa Chantal Foundation continues to inspire. Her work serves as a reminder that even small changes in the environment can have a profound impact on the lives of young patients and their families. To learn more about the archa Chantal Foundation and how you can support their mission, visit their website today!

How does the Archa chantal FoundationS approach to transforming healthcare environments align with the proven benefits of a positive environment on patient outcomes, particularly for children?

an Inspiring Journey: Chantal Poullain-Waclawik on humanizing healthcare

Inspiration Behind Archa Chantal Foundation

Archyde: What motivated you to found the Archa Chantal Foundation in 1993?

Chantal Poullain-Waclawik: My childhood experiences, greatly influenced by my mother’s kindness and dedication to helping others, shaped my desire to give back and make a difference. So when my son Vladimir asked why a hospital was so sad and lacked toys, it struck a chord. I promised him I’d work on it, and thus began the journey of transforming children’s healthcare environments.

Creating a Vibrant Hospital Experience

Archyde: The University Hospital in motol’s Pediatric Hematology and Oncology department underwent a important transformation. Can you describe this change?

Chantal poullain-Waclawik: Yes, we turned the department into a colorful and engaging ‘way around the world’. We added art, decorations, wallpapers, stickers, and new furniture.It became a more welcoming habitat for young patients, making their hospital stay less stressful and more fun.

Cultural Experiences and Humor

Archyde: You’ve been living in the Czech republic since the age of 20. How have your experiences with Czech culture and humor influenced you?

Chantal Poullain-Waclawik: I observed a deep passion for culture in Czechoslovakia that I hadn’t seen in France. As for humor, I find Czech humor akin to French humor. I’ve always enjoyed the work of Zdeněk Svěrák, tho I admit it can be challenging to understand sometimes!

The Impact of Environment on Healthcare Outcomes

Archyde: Research shows that a positive environment can considerably improve patient outcomes, especially for children. How does your foundation align with these findings?

Chantal Poullain-Waclawik: Our dedication to transforming pediatric healthcare facilities is deeply rooted in these findings. We aim to create spaces that foster healing, reduce anxiety, and make patients feel more comfortable and at home.

Looking Ahead: The Future of Archa Chantal Foundation

Archyde: What can we expect from the Archa Chantal Foundation in the coming years?

Chantal Poullain-Waclawik: We’re committed to expanding our impact and humainzing healthcare environments across the country. We’d love more supporters to join us on this mission and help make a difference in young patients’ lives.

Final Thoughts

Archyde: If you could leave our readers with one thought, what woudl it be?

Chantal Poullain-Waclawik: Remember, compassion and kindness have the power to transform even the most daunting places. if you have the means to help,do so,because when you give,you also receive – and it’s a marvelous feeling.