2024-11-13 13:44:00
Published on 11/13/2024 2:44 p.m.
Reading time: 2min – video: 5min VIDEO. Condemned by leukemia, Nadine was able to realize her last dream: visiting the Palace of Versailles, returning to her family home… Simple but impossible dreams for sick people in palliative care. Condemned by leukemia since 2022, Nadine dreamed of seeing the sea one last time, surrounded by her family. We accompanied her to Deauville with the association L’ambulance des rêve. (Raw.)
Visiting the Palace of Versailles, returning to your family home… Simple but impossible dreams for sick people in palliative care. Condemned by leukemia since 2022, Nadine dreamed of seeing the sea one last time, surrounded by her family. We accompanied her to Deauville with the association L’ambulance des rêve.
“That’s it. I’m the dream maker”, explains Maxime Bolou, co-founder of the Ambulance des Rêves association. Their mission: to allow end-of-life patients to leave the hospital to fulfill their last wish. “It allows patients who are truly condemned, unfortunately, at the end of their lives, in palliative care, to leave the hospital, to have some family time like today”mentions Maxime.
Emmy, a volunteer within the association, underlines the importance of their work: “It’s super cool, the concept of being able to make their last dream come true. It’s true that we’re in an environment where we’re getting closer to health, so being able to get away from that a little bit and travel with them is quite magical.”
Contrary to expectations, patients’ final wishes are rarely grandiose. “99% of them are family moments, very simple, tender moments of reunion,” explains Maxime. For Nadine, who suffered from leukemia, her dream was to see the sea in Deauville, accompanied by her loved ones. “For me, vacations are the sea,” she confides.
The association ensures that these moments remain intimate. “There is always a moment when we leave them, under our supervision with the doctor, but we put ourselves aside so that they really stay with the family. And that is very important,” emphasizes Maxime.
Beyond making dreams come true, Ambulance des Rêves also wants to break the taboos surrounding the end of life. “Before, illness was hidden and deaths even more so. We hide death,” deplores Jeanne Garnier, palliative care specialist.
By removing patients from the hospital, the association makes death more visible. “We’re taking out the stretchers, the patients and we’re going to follow this model. It’s slowly progressing, but we’re not yet used to seeing death outside the hospital.” admits Maxime.
Thanks to the Ambulance des Rêves, Nadine was able to enjoy one last moment of happiness before leaving. “ThisIt was great, I’m very happy. Honestly… Great!”, she exclaims, delighted to have made her dream come true.
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**Interview with Maxime Bolou, Co-founder of L’Ambulance des Rêves**
**Editor:** Thank you for joining us today, Maxime. Your organization, L’Ambulance des Rêves, has touched many lives. Can you tell us a bit about the motivation behind creating this association?
**Maxime Bolou:** Thank you for having me. The inspiration for L’Ambulance des Rêves came from the realization that many people in palliative care have dreams and wishes that may never be fulfilled due to their circumstances. We wanted to provide them with an opportunity to experience those last moments in a meaningful way, surrounded by their loved ones.
**Editor:** Recently, you assisted Nadine, who is facing leukemia, in realizing her dream of visiting the sea one last time. Can you describe what that experience was like for her and for your team?
**Maxime Bolou:** It was incredibly emotional. Nadine has been battling leukemia since 2022, and she always dreamed of returning to the sea. Accompanying her to Deauville was a profound honor for us. Seeing her smile and the joy on her family’s faces was truly rewarding. We strive to create a joyful, peaceful atmosphere where patients can embrace their final moments.
**Editor:** How do you select which dreams to fulfill, and what are some of the common wishes you encounter?
**Maxime Bolou:** Each dream is as unique as the individual. We listen to the patients’ stories and try to make their wishes come true based on their health conditions and our resources. Common dreams include visiting significant places like family homes or favorite vacation spots, attending family gatherings, or simply experiencing the beauty of nature.
**Editor:** The emotional weight of your work must be significant. How do you and your volunteers cope with the challenges you face?
**Maxime Bolou:** It can indeed be heavy at times. We focus on the gratitude and joy that our work brings. We also maintain a supportive community among our volunteers. Sharing our experiences and emotions helps us process the challenges and celebrate the moments of happiness we create for the patients and their families.
**Editor:** Lastly, what message do you hope to convey through the work of L’Ambulance des Rêves?
**Maxime Bolou:** We want to remind everyone that it’s never too late to pursue what brings you joy. Life is precious, and even in the most challenging times, dreams can still be fulfilled. We aim to bring awareness to the importance of cherishing those moments and support those who are nearing the end of their journey.
**Editor:** Thank you so much for sharing your insights, Maxime. It’s inspiring to see your commitment to making a difference in the lives of those in need.
**Maxime Bolou:** Thank you for having me. It’s our privilege to be part of these journeys.
