It’s easy to take good health for granted, which is why each setback reminds us how important it is to be thankful every day.
Videos by InspireMore
For New Jersey resident Christophe Lafontant, life has been a series of setbacks since he was 6 years old. He was perfectly healthy and active until he collapsed at home with no warning one day.
He was soon diagnosed with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy with a complete heart block.
“Doctors told my parents to prepare for the worst, and I was unlikely to see my 7th birthday,” Christophe recalled. But after he received a pacemaker, he defied the odds by going on for 10 years before he required a heart transplant.
While the operation was initially successful, just four years later, his body rejected the organ, so he had to undergo a second transplant. What followed was a series of serious ailments, ranging from kidney failure to lung problems. He also overdosed on pain medication when he was 27 and woke up to discover his lungs were failing too.
Christophe was eventually diagnosed with a rare progressive muscle disease called myofibrillar myopathy. Doctors said it was the underlying cause of many of his difficulties, particularly his heart trouble.
These obstacles could easily have defeated him, but Christophe is a fighter! While he does battle depression, he’s made it his life’s mission to be as upbeat and positive as he can! These days, he relies on a wheelchair to get around and needs a 24-hour nurse, but nothing can keep him from encouraging and honoring the people around him.
Throughout his journey, he’s had one steadfast presence around to comfort and support him in everything. J-La, his mom, has been by his side through every surgery and hospitalization for over 30 years now. As his cheerleader and advocate, she helps him through each day.
After one particularly tough surgery, doctors warned J-La and Christophe that his vocal cords might not recover. J-La left his side not knowing if she would ever hear his voice again, but Christophe defied the odds once again by speaking clearly after waking up from the operation.
Someone captured the moment his mom walked into his recovery room and heard his voice, and the video is powerful enough to bring us to tears!
“My mom hears my voice for the first time after doctors told us that I may never speak again,” Christophe wrote on Instagram. “I will never forget this moment! I am so grateful to still have my voice!”
What a beautiful relationship! Christophe is proof that with a loving community in our corner, there’s nothing we can’t overcome to find joy!
Watch him surprise his mom in the video below, and don’t forget to share this story to encourage your friends.
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