2024-01-19 20:30:00
The famous singer Jeanick Fournier is convinced that she is a better person since she chose to adopt two Quebec children with Down syndrome, whom she brings everywhere with her in order to demystify the difference.
“They are little beings of happiness. Every second is important. For them, the present moment is the most important. Everything is beautiful, everything is sunshine, confides Jeanick Fournier regarding her children Yohan, 14, and Emma, 10. They lead me to be a better person, to remain as real as possible. And to appreciate life.”
The singer from Chicoutimi, who became popular following winning the competition Canada’s Got Talent in May 2022, has always been “in love with Down syndrome”, especially because she grew up with a sister with intellectual disabilities.
“With them, it’s always positive! she notes. They are happy, happy. It’s really exciting,” admits the one who worked for a long time as a beneficiary attendant.
The famous singer Jeanick Fournier with her children Yohan Girard, 14 years old, and Emma Girard, 10 years old, both suffering from Down syndrome. COURTESY Jeanick Fournier COURTESY Jeanick Fournier
A baby with Down syndrome
After knowing that she was infertile, the 51-year-old woman turned to adoption thanks to the Emmanuel Association, which helps find families for different children with serious needs who are difficult to adopt.
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Ms. Fournier’s wish was clear: she wanted to adopt a child with Down syndrome, less than six months old.
“It’s important that people see them and know them. We ask them to be functional and do like everyone else. Can we say to society: look at them as if they were normal?
After seven months of procedures, little Yohan, aged three months, arrived home. Even today, Ms. Fournier is moved when thinking of the family of this boy who abandoned him. But she refuses to judge them.
«[Au moment de l’adoption], I thought a lot more regarding them than regarding myself. I prayed for the others. It’s their choice, their decision. But, it must be heavy. I cried a lot,” she confides with watery eyes.
Singer Jeanick Fournier with her son Yohan Girard, 14, who has rhythm in his blood and loves music. COURTESY Jeanick Fournier
Two years later, Ms. Fournier repeated the experience: she adopted Emma, who was abandoned when she was five weeks old.
“A huge party!”
The first years of life were demanding for the mother due to several medical follow-ups, particularly for Emma who had heart problems. Yohan started walking at the age of five and a half.
“We had a huge party! Yohan walks!” she laughs, visibly proud of her son’s progress.
Over the years, there have been many stares and prejudices, especially when she was walking in a stroller with her two children.
“I had thoughts like: Hey, did you have two? she remembers. Sometimes, I felt that I had to say that they are adopted because of the way people look at them.”
Despite her children’s challenges, Ms. Fournier refuses the label of “super mom” or “generous” woman.
“I tell them that I am emotionally dependent and that I needed a lot of love,” she laughs.
Now aged 14 and 10, Yohan and Emma go to school, but follow their mother on her professional tours. An inspiring presence on the sets for the people they meet, to the delight of their mother.
Jeanick Fournier with his daughter Emma. Roger Gagnon / QMI Agency
“We live together this trip-there. I didn’t choose them to stay at home,” admits the woman, happy to have adopted different children. If you love to give, you will receive a million times more than you think.”
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