Ink Of Hope

« The energy that I receive through these cards
has given me hope!»

At the age of 14 years, Loïc Bregnard suffers from a malignant cerebral tumor. This Jurassien Bernois’ goal is to enter the Guinness Book of World Records by collecting more than 33 million postcards.

«He’s a fighter!" says Anne-Marie Bregnard of her son – eyes glazed with pride. It has been nine years since the disease entered their lives. At the age of 5, Loïc fell into a coma and underwent a brain operation. "Since then, I have always clung to life", affirms small Loïc. He keeps a strong faith, in spite of the unmerited cancer attacks. Recently, his last tumors have prevented the young boy from walking and from feeding himself. Weakened by many treatments, he speaks with pain. His hope goes to those, like him, who have learned early in life how to fight. Using the world record of received postcards, Loïc Bregnard tries to educate society of this injust evil. "My principal goal remains to speak about children's cancer. Appearing in the Book of World Records is not my greatest concern." However, his mother quickly specifies: "When he receives less cards, my Loulou is afraid that he is being forgotten. »

Immediate reactions
After having seen a film on the life of Craig Shergold, an English child also touched with cancer, who entered the Guinness Book by collecting 33 million cards, Loïc decided to give it a try himself. His family and close friends found this to be an incredible idea. In no time all, all energies surrounded Loïc. Steve Richard, his stepfather, quickly began putting information on the internet. "A first (mass) e-mail was sent on June 8, 2005. The following day, we received 11 cards. Then 42, 68, 114... " His grandparents were busy putting up posters throughout the streets. Even by word of mouth, the news had spread. Money gifts donated to Loïc are being directly deposited to the ‘Force Foundation’ (Foundation of Research on the Cancer of Enfants) at the expiry of his world record (in June 2007).

A daily combat
To date, 39'000 images of the globe have landed in the family apartment, on the hills of Péry (BE), a small village of the Arc Jurassien. Mail has arrived in all languages. Korea, Libya, Eritrea and other corners of the world unfamiliar to Loïc have answered his call. On the whole, 110 countries representing 5 continents have come forward for this cause. Perhaps even more. The family does not have time anymore to keep up with these details.This young cancer patient who has lost 30 kg since April of last year, passes many days at the hospital in Bern. Lately, he is being nourished by a gastric tube at home. This means remaining still without moving for many long hours. A torment essential for his survival. Not fun for a boy this age. "Sometimes, I feel blue but it only lasts one or two days. The remainder of the time, I am ready to face anything!" His mother and stepfather Steve Richard help him with his daily drugs (20 pills per day, 30 to 40 during palliative chemotherapy). They accompany him with his movements and try to keep his morale up as much as possible."When he’s not doing well, I listen. I try to stay detached in order to remain objective. There is always positivity in the negativity." Present at each step he makes, Anne-Marie Bregnard-Richard strongly supports her son. She even has had to endure the scandalmongerings. "People have said anything and everything on the health of Loïc. It is necessary to know how to show them that we are more intelligent."

Although he can no longer move around by bicycle, or go to school normally, or even eat like the others, this teenager refuses to give up. Doctors had given up hope on Loïc's survival several times. They are astonished today that some of his tumors have regressed. "He has good guardian angels watching over him!", delights Mrs Bregnard-Richard.

Projects for advancement
With a vivacious smile inhabited by hope, Loïc's mom takes part in all the stages of the “epistolary adventure". Each card is read, indexed, and classified with care by Loïc. Dynamism, in every sense of the word, animates this incredible woman. With the assistance of various associations (Small Princes, Make A Wish), this attentive mother has actually transformed her son's dreams. Two years ago, Loïc Bregnard swam with the dolphins in Miami. In April 2005, the entire family left for Los Angeles to visit the amusement parks. "I love the rides,and the feeling of fear and my adrenaline rising." Your next voyage? An escapade to New York, "to visit all the shops." The United States is well equipped to accomodate people in wheelchairs. No date is fixed yet. Loïc must first find that stability he lost with his weight. While waiting, the postcards enable him to escape a little.
If one asks him which card is his favorite, the teenager becomes restless: "Each one has a great value for me. I do not like one more than another. It is the energy which I receive through the cards which gives me hope!" Famous people, nevertheless, have made his prize list: singer Alain Morisod, hockey team Friburg-Gottéron, the FC Lausanne-Sport or the Biennois hockey player Cyrill Pasche.

Precious gifts
He admits that he was moved by photographs autographed by Michael Schumacher, his idol. Amidst the postcards - piled up in enormous bags of 5000 - other parcels fill the heart of this Ferrari lover. Calendars, miniature models, jackets, and many other gifts with the ever famous Ferrari horse logo have delighted him. Add to that hard rock CDs (this young man is a fan of AC/DC) and invitations for holidays abroad, and you will make him quite happy!

Loïc Bregnard also has artistic talents. He paints and makes splendid arts and crafts. His works are sold at the fair on the stands of Marie-Jo, a merchant touched by Loïc’s story. This faithful person addresses at least ten postcards a day to him. The family is delighted: "We have met incredible people thanks to this operation. Their support is precious to us." Among them, the ARFEC, French Association of Families of Children Affected by Cancer. Every week since December 2005, ARFEC has invited children to keep Loïc company depending on his state and mood. "It is brilliant! Each group comes over with a different game. Even when my son is in the hospital they are there for him."
Never tired, Anne-Marie Bregnard-Richard runs in all directions for her son. She tries to stimulate his mind by provoking and teasing him. Nothing is hidden from the young patient. He decides his therapies on his own, in agreement with his doctors. His lucidity is amazing. "I live day by day, without thinking of the future."