Mother's memoir recounts son's battle with brain tumor

Amélie Croizier, a 49-year-old former elementary school teacher, has written a memoir titled Louis and the Black Ball, published by Artège on October 14. The book details her son Louis's 11-year struggle with a brain tumor, from his diagnosis to his death.

Early diagnosis and medical challenges

Louis was diagnosed with a brain tumor on December 10, 2009, when he was four years old. His initial symptoms resembled gastroenteritis, but as his condition worsened with seizures and balance issues, his parents took him to the pediatric emergency department at Necker Hospital. An MRI revealed his brain was full of water, and he underwent two operations to remove as much of the tumor as possible.

Long-term care and impact on daily life

After several months of radiotherapy, Louis was followed in different institutions, including Necker, Trousseau, and the Gustave-Roussy Institute. The disease left him with balance problems, difficulties performing multiple tasks at once, and memory issues. Despite these challenges, Louis continued his schooling part-time and maintained a positive attitude. His mother describes him as "a war leader whose exemplary behavior on the battlefield inspired everyone."

Family support and memorable experiences

Louis's illness disrupted the family's life, but they relied on their faith and the support of organizations like Imagine for Margo and L'Envol, which allowed him to experience moments like attending the Monaco Grand Prix, participating in concerts, and visiting Disneyland Paris and the Parc des Princes. His three brothers, Édouard, Henri, and Stanislas, now 24, 19, and 15 years old, respectively, were able to create incredible memories with him.

Deterioration and final months

In December 2020, Louis's condition deteriorated again, and the tumor, referred to as "the black ball," was found to be a high-grade glioma. Two new operations and chemotherapy followed. On December 2, 2020, Louis returned home for his last month of life, celebrating his 15th birthday on December 14 before returning to the hospital. He died on January 2, 2021, surrounded by his parents.

Legacy and family's response to loss

After his death, Amélie and her husband Guillaume organized the funeral as they would have prepared for Louis's wedding, having prepared for the possibility of his death over the previous 11 years. Louis had created a list of gifts for his loved ones and chose the songs to be performed at his funeral. Despite the grief, the family found strength in faith, friends, and a psychologist.

Mother's ongoing health and message of hope

Amélie later was diagnosed with myelitis, a rare neurological disease, in June 2021, just months after Louis's death. She now suffers from chronic fatigue, burning sensations in her legs and arms, and episodes where she cannot walk or hold a glass for several days. However, she continues to draw strength from the joy and resilience she witnessed in Louis. She emphasizes the importance of joy in the face of pain and believes it must be shared to give hope to others. Amélie would not remove Louis's cancer from her memory, as it led to an extraordinary and beautiful life, despite its difficulties.