A break thanks to P.K.

On January 3rd, in the early hours of the morning, my son Gabriel and I were getting ready for a very exciting day: We were setting off on a 2-day trip to Nashville, USA, to meet P.K. Subban and watch him face off against his old team.

Going on vacation with Gabriel takes a lot of planning. Because he suffers from severe haemophilia, I had to make sure the hospital in Nashville could care for him in case of any health issues.

We even got the chance to fly on a private jet, where Gabriel was dazzled by the wide assortment of candy he got to eat!

During the second period of the match, we left our seats at the Bridgestone Arena to go meet P.K., who was out with an injury. Meeting his idol is something my son will always remember. P.K. gave him a big hug, and Gabriel gave him a book about Jean Béliveau, “so he’d have something to do while he’s hurt”. Although P.K. is still quite young, he’s great with kids. It’s quite impressive.

It was a great experience for Gabriel, who for a long time associated the hospital with pain. For years, Gabriel would cry and scream in the car each time we’d turn onto Tupper Street to go to the old Children’s. He didn’t want to go. Meeting a great man like P.K. is the kind of positive experience that changes everything for Gabriel. Thanks to everyone who made the trip possible!

- Helene, Gabriel’s mom

Thank you P.K.!