It is with great sorrow that Surdists United has learned of the passing of our honorary board member – Christelle Balard. Christelle was instrumental in our understanding of Surdism – helping to make sure the manifesto by her husband, Arnaud Balard, was translated from French into English. She was forever a champion of the Sign Union flag, Deaf creative expressions (Surdism), and her beloveds – soulmate, Arnaud, and son, Nathan.
In addition to translating materials and writing articles, she also was a content creator, producing many short and important videos and photographs. With an extraordinary eye for art and a heart of gold, Christelle approached the world with deep thought and a yearning for justice. Despite a long, difficult, and unfair illness, she weathered it all with good courage. Her small stature looms large in our hearts. Christelle was humble and largely shied away from any spotlight; yet, she touched and inspired all who knew her. We are forever grateful for all she contributed and shared with us. May her surdist spirit live on in the work we do. THANK-YOU CHRISTELLE!!!
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Arnaud Balard has written:
My son, Nathan, and I are deeply saddened and saddened to announce the untimely passing of Christelle Ballard following a long illness she lived with dignity and great strength. She was an exceptional mother, a much-loved wife, an inspiring muse in my artistic journey and for many a faithful friend.
Becoming deaf at 23, she was an active activist among all with the FFSB (vice-president) and the FNSF (advisor). A passionate writer, she was involved in writing regularly in various magazines in our community, the one for the deaf and the signers. She was also very active on social media as a content creator.
Her funeral will take place on Monday, June 22, 2026 in Paris.