During the month of February, the War Amps Association, section Québec, presented an advertisement on all French-language television channels. The ad portrays a young girl from Vaudreuil-Dorion, Mégane, who has benefited from the Les Vainqueurs assistance program to help her practice several sports. As well as being an optimist by nature, Mégane loves sports: cycling, swimming and now gymnastics. She has received prostheses to enable her to practice these sports comfortably and safely.

Néomédia was able to have a few words with Mégane: the 9-year-old is very proud of the video that was shot. Asked how she felt about her experience, Mégane didn't hesitate for a second: "I think this video is great, because it's my dream to be famous". Clearly, challenges don't scare this enthusiast who, in addition to swimming, cycling and gymnastics, has signed up for dance and singing classes this year.

She has a great deal of self-confidence, which her devoted parents have certainly helped to build.

We spoke to Magali Richetto, her mom. She and her husband, Jose Camara, knew before their little girl was born that she would have an incomplete left arm.

"We had several months to prepare; it wasn't necessarily easy. I asked myself all the questions, and experienced the normal worries of a mother. My husband reassured me, reminding me that she would be loved for her, regardless of her disability."

As Mrs. Richetto explained, each sport Mégane plays requires the use of a different prosthesis. "We are certainly very privileged that the prostheses are provided by the War Amps. Their moral support is also very important. Before the pandemic, we also attended amputee seminars every year. It's been a great help to meet all these people and see that we're not alone".

Megane's beginning

"I had Mégane when I was 40. It was a bit late to start thinking about expanding the family. In the end, it was certainly an advantage, because we were able to devote all our time to her and manage the multiple appointments.

" When Mégane was 3-4 years old, she said she'd like to have a sister or brother, like many only children, recalls her mother. She even said she wanted a twin sister, and I explained to her that it wasn't feasible," adds Magali, with a smile in her voice.

"Today, she has lots of friends, and has had them since kindergarten. She can't have a cat because she's allergic. We thought of a dog, but for the moment we're not at home enough; maybe a little later".

Ms. Richetto adds: "Magali is very athletic and is also developing her artistic side. This year, she's taking dance and singing lessons. After ballet and hip-hop, she's turning to learning Irish dance this year".

Last year, at the suggestion of her occupational therapist, Mégane took part in the Défi sportif Altergo, where she won a gold medal in swimming. "She wanted to live the experience and was proud of her results, but for her, it remains recreational," explains her mother.

Mégane was very enthusiastic about the singing lessons she is taking this year: "I'm very good," she confides, "I dream of becoming an international singer".

There's no doubt that new projects don't scare her. Asked what she has found difficult in her career, she replies: "I sometimes have difficulties with swimming, cycling and gymnastics, but I persevere".

The mother explains that one of the few things that sometimes makes her uncomfortable is when people scrutinize her prostheses a little too closely. This is understandable.

During spring break, she wants to practice yoga with aerial fabric at day camp with one of her good friends. As Socrates said: Nothing is too difficult for youth... and especially not for Mégane.

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Vaudreuil-Dorion: the story of Mégane and the War Amps