Monaco Liver Disorder targets improving the conditions for youths with rare diseases. Interview with Carla Fadoul Shechter, President of M.L.D.

Monaco Liver Disorder is a Monegasque association aimed at supporting young patients with rare liver diseases and their families. Founded in Monaco in 2011 by the determination of Carla Fadoul Shechter, its mission is strongly committed to boosting medical research and offering suitable hospital stays. The aim is to make patients have the most comfortable experience in the most critical moment of their life, helping the effectiveness of therapies and their psychological state. This can be decisive for the improvement of their health. For this purpose, the association provides for the redecoration of the hospital premises down to the smallest detail and using the best materials. Hospital furnishings, including well-equipped hospital beds, special mattresses but also sets of crockery, bed linen and towels are included.

From a statistical point of view, one child out of 2500 suffers from a rare hepatic illness. There are up to 150 different kinds, and 50% of child transplants involve the liver organ, essential to guarantee nutritional and brain functions as well as detox effects. Therefore, the Association seeks to raise awareness and promote organ donation, a central feature for these conditions.

Monaco Liver Disorder, under the Honorary Presidency of H.S.H. Princess Charlene of Monaco, encourages all involved not to give up thanks to the contribution and help from benefactors. A series of annual events has therefore been held since its creation, involving core institutions, among them: the Jeune Chambre Économique de Monaco, the Carabiniers du Prince, Carrefour Monaco, the Association Femmes Chefs d’Entreprises – AFCE, as well as pivotal meetings like the F1 Monaco Grand Prix, the U Giru de Natale, Téléthon, the Ducasse’s Pétanque Women’s Challenge and Rallye Aïcha des Gazelles, (the 2021 edition). 

But what is the story behind all this? HelloMonaco had the pleasure to ask Carla Fadoul Shechter (C.F.S.) about her ongoing daily commitment.

HelloMonaco: Where does the idea of Monaco Liver Disorder come from?

C.F.S.: The starting point arises from the goal to provide more adequate facilities for young patients with liver problems, in the hospitals of PACA and Paris Region as well as the Liver Cancer Ward at the CHU Archet II Hospital in Nice, Timone Hospital in Marseille and Kremlin-Bicêtre, the third largest hospital in Paris. I decided to commit myself to create a well-equipped environment at the service of doctors and researchers along with anyone who, since an early age, has been affected by these painful disorders. Those people who have such an experience need suitable equipment, certified for medical use and of top-quality for the entire period of rehabilitation. One day, I said to myself that I had to do something. We are currently the only one in Monaco operating in this way.  

HelloMonaco: What does the Prince’s Family support represent for you?

C.F.S.: The Presidency of Honour occupied by Princess Charlene of Monaco fills us with joy. We were honoured to present the project at the Prince’s Palace in the presence of the Prince and the Princess. The Princess of Monaco is particularly touched by children in need. She did not hesitate accepting to support the initiative. 

HelloMonaco: Which bodies are supporting you in the cause?

C.F.S.: We can count on the precious cooperation of Monaco Red Cross and the World Association of Children’s Friends – AMADE. We are currently having contact with the Princess Grace Foundation, Monaco that is itself engaged in health care. Besides that, we cooperate with any hospital’s directorate general that accepts our aid. What I prefer is to be focused on concrete actions. I always want to give my best and I personally look after each stage of the work until the outcome. We have our own skills and know-how in order to start from the initial draft by choosing the finest materials and equipment with respect to wellness and sustainability.

HelloMonaco: Are you planning to do something in Monaco?

C.F.S.: We would like to supply facilities to a targeted liver-disease department within the existing Pediatrics facility. We are also looking forward to collaborating with the executive board of the new Centre Hospitalier Princesse-Grace (Princess Grace Medical Centre) which is in phase of realization.

HelloMonaco: What projects are you working on?

C.F.S.: Since 2019, we have been working on the renewal of three hospital wards at Nice Hospitals: the neonatal service, the Pediatrics cancer ward and intensive care. We are offering our logistics knowhow to design newly equipped rooms. We take care of every possible detail, as we usually do, including certified clinic furniture, fixtures and fittings, electrical installations, waiting rooms, hospitality and canteen together with high quality household appliances. Our intervention is total. Living in a comfortable environment, in fact, is an integral part of therapy for the greatest benefit of the patient and relatives. Only in these cozy conditions, is a mother is able to transmit all her love for her son, instead of staying in a cold and impersonal atmosphere. We also deal with the general well-being of young patients cheering them up with stunning gifts to fulfill some of their best desires, even if their life hopes are few. A fantastic mental help for them all!

HelloMonaco: How do you finance your projects? 

C.F.S.: So far, we have preferred finalizing actions addressed to our targets rather than organizing galas. We have recently benefited from an auction sale of motorsport helmets designed by well-known artists, in partnership with Artcurial and under the High Patronage of H.S.H. Prince Albert II of Monaco. It was a great success as were the previous events we attended where we have been able to direct the proceeds to the M.L.D. cause. 

For further information and donations please visit: www.mld.mc

MONACO LIVER DISORDER

15, Boulevard du Jardin Exotique

98000 – Monaco