Anaïs stands with Fezzy at our 100th Anniversary Gala.
Anaïs proudly holds the Quebec flag after she and her synchronized skating team won gold at the Canada Cup.
Anaïs holds ornaments during a photoshoot for a philanthropic campaign.
From First Steps to Gold Medals on Ice
Anaïs glides across the ice with precision and confidence.
A Canadian synchronized skating champion, she embodies determination and self-assurance.
Looking at her today, it is hard to imagine that long before her first steps, her journey began very differently.
Diagnosed during pregnancy, Anaïs was born with bilateral clubfoot, a condition in which both feet turn inward and downward, making walking difficult without treatment. From her very first days of life, she was followed at Shriners Hospitals for Children Canada, where a specialized treatment plan was put in place.
Her care journey began in early childhood, with a series of corrective casts designed to gradually realign her feet, followed by surgery and long-term follow-up. Under the care of Thierry Benaroch, MS, M.D., FRCS(C), each step was carefully planned to support her development and mobility.
A defining moment remains vivid for her family. During a follow-up appointment, Anaïs was invited to walk in front of a group of medical students. After observing her, Dr. Benaroch announced that she no longer needed to wear her orthotic bar. This moment marked the end of an important stage of her treatment and the beginning of new freedom.
That freedom quickly translated into movement, confidence and independence. Anaïs began figure skating at the age of 3 and never stopped. Today, she trains several times a week, competes at a high level, and balances her studies with a demanding athletic schedule. Her progress has been steady and remarkable. She qualified for provincial finals four years in a row and holds a gold level in solo skating.
More recently, she and her synchronized skating team won gold at the Canada Cup, earning the title of Canadian champions with a record score in their category. She now represents Quebec on the national stage.
Beyond her athletic achievements, Anaïs also gives back as a Patient Ambassador for Shriners Hospitals for Children Canada. She describes her experience with the hospital as meaningful, noting: "You don’t feel like you are in a hospital when you go to Shriners; you feel really good."
They gave me so much, and one day I hope to give that same support to other children.
Alongside her athletic ambitions, Anaïs continues her studies and is exploring an interest in fashion and modeling. In the longer term, she hopes to build a career connected to the hospital that has shaped her journey.
Her mother also reflects on the lasting impact of her care experience, emphasizing the continuity of support from the medical team: “What a caring and welcoming environment! Even after years, when we return for follow-ups, you can see that the medical team knows their patients and truly cares about their well-being.”
Anaïs’ story clearly illustrates what early intervention, specialized expertise and continuous care can make possible. From corrected first steps to national podiums, her journey shows that with the right care at the right time, a future without limits becomes possible.
Next Steps
Share Your Story
Our patients and families are at the heart of everything we do at Shriners Children's. We invite you to share how the team at Shriners Children's has helped your child.
Give to Shriners Children's
Through the generosity of donors like you, we've helped over one million children lead more fulfilling lives, regardless of their families' ability to pay.
