Jules Courtois, who survived the February 8, 2023 daycare tragedy in Laval, is facing a second life-threatening health crisis after being diagnosed with high-risk acute lymphoblastic leukemia.
The eight-year-old is receiving intensive treatment at CHU Sainte-Justine in Montreal, according to a fundraising appeal organized by family friends.
The appeal says Jules’ diagnosis was confirmed on September 25, 2026, after his mother noticed unusual bruising on his arm and insisted that he undergo medical testing.
Table of Contents
Jules Courtois: Jules began treatment after September diagnosis
According to the family’s account, chemotherapy began the day after the diagnosis.
Jules is expected to spend at least a month in hospital while undergoing the initial phase of treatment, with care provided by the hospital’s pediatric hematology and oncology team.
The family has described the illness as an especially aggressive form of acute lymphoblastic leukemia, a cancer affecting blood-forming tissues that requires specialized pediatric care.
Jules’ parents, Sébastien and Virginia Courtois, have paused their work while they remain with him at the hospital and care for their daughter, Margot.
The family’s fundraising appeal says the treatment will require major changes to their daily lives, including frequent hospital travel, schooling arrangements and extended time away from work.
A second crisis for a family already marked by tragedy
Jules was four years old when a city bus crashed into the Garderie éducative Sainte-Rose in Laval on February 8, 2023.
Two children were killed and six others were injured in the crash.
Jules was pulled from the wreckage alive after being seriously injured.
His family has said the new diagnosis brought back memories of the daycare tragedy, including the death of his friend Jacob, who was near him when the bus struck the building.
The current illness is not connected to the 2023 crash, but the timing has added another layer of trauma for the family.
The fundraising appeal describes Jules as continuing his schoolwork and finding ways to occupy himself in hospital when his condition allows.
His activities have included Lego, card games, puzzles and playing soccer with his father in hospital corridors.
Community fundraising campaign launched
Friends of the Courtois family launched a new online fundraising campaign to help cover the financial pressure created by the treatment.
The campaign says donations will help the parents focus on Jules’ recovery while managing travel, household costs, schooling and lost income.
As of October 15, 2026, the campaign page listed more than $4,400 raised toward a $12,000 goal.
The appeal was organized by Annie Carrière, whose partner helped rescue Jules from the daycare wreckage in 2023.
The family has not announced a final treatment timeline or provided a public prognosis.
What happens next
Jules’ treatment plan will be determined by his medical team at CHU Sainte-Justine and may change according to how he responds to chemotherapy.
For children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia, treatment commonly involves several stages and requires close monitoring, but the exact approach depends on factors such as the disease’s risk classification and the patient’s response.
The family’s immediate focus is on the first weeks of intensive treatment and maintaining support for Jules and his sister.
Members of the public who wish to help can consult the family’s verified fundraising page or support pediatric cancer organizations that fund care and research in Quebec.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Jules Courtois?
Jules Courtois is an eight-year-old Laval boy who survived the February 8, 2023 daycare tragedy in Sainte-Rose.
What illness has Jules Courtois been diagnosed with?
His family says he was diagnosed on September 25, 2026, with high-risk acute lymphoblastic leukemia.
Where is Jules receiving treatment?
He is receiving treatment at CHU Sainte-Justine in Montreal.
When did his chemotherapy begin?
According to the family’s fundraising appeal, chemotherapy began on September 26, 2026, the day after his diagnosis.
How can people support the family?
People can consult the family’s fundraising appeal or support established pediatric cancer organizations that assist children and families in Quebec.
Fact-Checked: Key dates, treatment details and fundraising information were checked against the family’s public appeal and available primary institutional information.
Disclaimer: Medical treatment decisions and prognosis remain the responsibility of Jules’ healthcare team.