Two years earlier, he had already hurt the same knee after crashing into a pole with his sled. At the time, he had partially torn a ligament. Since surgery is not performed for partial tears, Xavier continued skiing and training intensely.
This time, the diagnosis was more severe: Both main ligaments in his left knee – the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) and the medial collateral ligament (MCL) – were torn. The verdict was clear: Recovery would require time, patience and rigorous rehabilitation.
After the accident, Xavier was placed on a waiting list at a pediatric hospital in Montreal. Weeks passed without any news of an appointment with an orthopedic surgeon. Determined, his father, François, sought other options. Through a contact at Shriners Hospitals for Children Canada, he quickly secured a meeting with Paul A. Martineau, MDCM, FRCSC, whom Xavier describes as “very kind.” The surgery date was set immediately.
Since then, Xavier has been in rehabilitation. Despite the distance, he enjoys coming to Shriners Hospitals for Children Canada: “On top of my sessions, I get exercises sent by email. They’re well explained, I do them regularly, and they help me a lot.”
The service is excellent, and the people are kind.
Xavier has been on skis since he was 2 and is now part of a professional team. Last winter, as one of the top skiers in his region, he competed in the provincial championships. Unfortunately, his season ended abruptly with the fall, and he had to give up the training camp in Austria planned for the autumn.
Even golf, his second passion, has been put on hold this summer. He has been playing for five years and hopes to join a sports-study program in this discipline. For now, he shows remarkable patience and maturity.
Once his postoperative rehabilitation at the hospital is completed, Xavier will continue his recovery at a specialized center for skiers. His father is reassured, knowing that in six to seven months, Xavier will return to Shriners Hospitals for Children Canada for a full assessment at the motion analysis center. This exam will confirm whether his left leg has fully regained its strength.
Resilient, determined and passionate, Xavier keeps moving forward. His parents are rightfully proud: Despite the challenges, he holds his head high – like a true champion.
Xavier stands in front of a mural at Shriners Hospitals for Children Canada with his leg brace.
Patient Ambassadors Xavier and Lisa Marie join their dads at the 2025 golf tournament.
Xavier's parents join him at a recent ski competition.
