The Inspiring Life of Valentine Ozon: Smallpox Epidemic Survivor and Heroic Blood Donor

2024-04-10 09:54:31

“A few hours before her 97th birthday, my mother went to join her father,” wrote deputy mayor François Ars in a beautiful tribute to his mother.

Born in Saint-Jean-Brévelay on April 9, 1927, Valentine Ozon moved with her mother and sister to Vannes, in the Saint-Patern district, a few years before the Second World War.

The latest smallpox epidemic in France

Hired at the Chubert hospital in April 1954, in the pediatric department of Doctor Georges Cadoret, she was the caregiver for little Daniel, a child admitted to the hospital at the end of 1954 because he was covered in spots. Doctors first thought it was chickenpox or pemphigus, or even smallpox. And it was this last diagnosis that turned out to be the correct one.

On December 23, Valentine Ozon was, in turn, covered in pimples. She was hospitalized on January 8. That month was the peak of the epidemic in Vannes, which included a total of 73 cases of smallpox and claimed sixteen victims, including several caregivers. This is the last time that this disease struck France.

A great blood donor

Valentine Ozon managed to recover. She ended her career in the hospital emergency room, but she never forgot this terrible period of her life. “Deeply marked by this experience, she subsequently devoted herself body and soul to the care of others, repeatedly donating her blood, plasma or platelets in order to save babies and children hospitalized in the Cadoret department,” emphasizes François. Ars. We knew well that Valentine would never refuse a donation, far exceeding the number of samples recommended… She also became the holder of the highest distinctions for blood donors. »

His funeral will be celebrated Monday, April 15 at 2:30 p.m. at the Saint-Guen church.

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