Annual Report Leucan 2024-2025

A message from the Executive Director and President of the Association

It is with deep gratitude that we address these few words to you at the end of the 2024-2025 year, a year marked by mutual aid, innovation, and solidarity.

Every child with cancer, every family we support has a unique story, marked by courage and hope. For 46 years now, Leucan has been working on their behalf. Once again this year, supported by the collective strength of its community, the Association was able to provide essential services, fund clinical research in pediatric oncology, and offer moments of respite and happiness to those going through the ups and downs of the disease.

Excellent news and an important distinction for the Association this year: Leucan ranked second among the most credible health organizations in Quebec according to a study conducted by Épisode and the firm Léger, a major recognition that reflects the public’s trust and confirms the essential scope of our mission.

This recognition is above all a testament to the work of an exceptional team. We salute the remarkable commitment of our employees, whose empathy and professionalism shine a light on Leucan’s mission. Thanks to each and every one of you, families find human and reassuring support on a daily basis. You innovate, you listen, and you champion the cause with conviction. Thank you for embodying, day after day, the kindness and dedication that are Leucan’s strength.

Our gratitude also goes out to our invaluable volunteers. Through your time, energy, and dedication, you bring warmth and life to our events and services. Behind every activity are your committed and generous hearts, often working behind the scenes. Thank you for being an integral part of the Leucan family and for helping to make the daily lives of the families we support a little easier.

Dear partners and donors, you play an essential role in our great chain of solidarity. Your generosity and loyalty enable our teams to remain present for families, fund concrete services, and support promising projects. Thank you for making our cause your own and believing in a better future for children with cancer and their families.

We would also like to highlight the essential role played by our board of directors. Your commitment, strategic advice, and enlightened vision are invaluable assets to Leucan. Through your constant support and human touch, you actively contribute to the growth and sustainability of our association. Thank you for being such valuable allies in this great human adventure.

At the heart of everything we do are these extraordinary families, who face pediatric cancer with resilience and strength that inspire great admiration. You are a daily source of inspiration for us. Through your challenges and victories, you teach us the value of courage, love, and solidarity. Leucan is committed to working with you and for you, ensuring that you find comfort, support, and resources at every stage of your journey.

It is thanks to all of you, members of this wonderful and large Leucan community, that we have overcome the challenges of the past year and are pursuing our mission with ambition, heart, and determination.

Together, we are weaving a great web of solidarity around children with cancer and their families, so that they never feel alone in facing this unspeakable ordeal.

On behalf of the entire Leucan team, thank you from the bottom of our hearts.

**Magalie Bourdeau**
President of the Association

A word from Leucan’s godmother

Since I had the good fortune to become Leucan’s godmother, I have witnessed so much courage, resilience, and love within this large family. Every encounter with the children, parents, and Leucan team reminds me how every gesture, no matter how small, can transform the daily lives of those facing pediatric cancer.

Thank you to all the families who open their hearts to me and allow me to share a little piece of their journey. Thank you to the volunteers, employees, and donors who make Leucan a true pillar of support for these children and their loved ones. Your commitment inspires me deeply and reminds me every day why I am so proud to stand with you in this cause.

Let us continue, together, to light their way and offer them the most precious gift of all: hope.

A word from the treasurer and Leucan’s financial statements

I am pleased to present our organization’s financial results for the fiscal year ending March 31^st, 2025.

Although this year has been marked by several challenges, we are proud to announce that Leucan has managed to maintain its revenues above the $12 million mark. Once again this year, only 1% of our revenues come from public grants. This fact underscores the vital importance of the support we receive from our community: donors, partners, and volunteers. This financial independence is the result of your generosity.

Despite a slight decrease in revenue compared to the previous year, we have been able to rigorously manage our funding and administrative expenses without reducing services to children and their families or our investments in pediatric oncology clinical research. Every dollar we receive is used with care and in accordance with our commitment to children with cancer and their families.

To this end, we have continued to invest in our mission, particularly in the area of post-treatment care, with the addition of a position for a specialist post-cancer advisor and an increase in the sequelae fund, representing an 87.5% increase in reimbursed claims.

We cannot ignore the shortfall in income over the last two financial years. In accordance with our three-year financial forecasts for fiscal years 2024 to 2026, deficits were anticipated for these fiscal years. This budgetary approach was part of a carefully considered strategy, made possible by the surpluses accumulated during the two previous fiscal years (2022 and 2023).

Our financial position remains strong, with cumulative net assets of approximately $4.9 million.

I would like to extend my sincere thanks to everyone who contributed to these results: dedicated employees, committed volunteers, loyal donors, and generous partners. It is thanks to your support that Leucan is able to pursue its mission with consistency and compassion.

Together, let’s continue to make a real difference.

With my deepest gratitude,

Summary of income and expenses

Distribution of donations and fundraising activities

Distribution of mission-related expenses

Consult the Complete Financial Statements

Leucan’s commitment

For 46 years, Leucan has been accompanying and supporting children with cancer and their families at every stage of the disease. Every day, we are guided by our mission: to support the recovery of children with cancer and ensure their and their families’ well-being by providing assistance, support, and funding for clinical research in pediatric oncology at all stages of the disease and its effects, both during and after treatment.

Driven by intrinsic values—kindness, innovation, openness, solidarity, and excellence—Leucan strives to provide an environment of compassion, support, and hope for those facing the challenges of pediatric cancer.

The Leucan team has a clear vision: to always be at the forefront of best practices and services. Leucan is there at all times to ensure that every child with cancer can live their childhood to the fullest and look forward to the future. We are committed to being a source of support for families at every stage, throughout Quebec.

Leucan is here to…

Fight disease and improve treatments

In Quebec, nearly one family a day learns that a child has cancer. Behind this statistic, there are lives that have been turned upside down and an immense courage. Thanks to sustained investment in clinical research, it is now possible to better fight the disease and offer children cutting-edge treatments.

For 46 years, Leucan has played a key role as the leading funder of pediatric oncology clinical research in Quebec, with more than $25 million invested. Thanks to this collective generosity, the survival rate for children with cancer is now 85%.

Leucan’s investments in clinical research total $1,384,211 this year.

Beyond survival, research also helps develop more targeted treatments, reducing side effects and long-term sequelae. This is a key issue, since 70% of survivors suffer from these effects, 30% of them severely. Leucan remains committed to supporting promising projects that improve children’s quality of life during and after treatment.

 Clinical research in pediatric oncology contributes to improving treatments and survival rates. It complements Leucan’s support services for families affected by pediatric cancer and is another way to make a tangible contribution to the well-being of children with cancer. Research in pediatric oncology gives us hope for a better future.

Alexandra Plouffe

Coordinator, Family Services at Leucan since March 2019.

Leucan acts daily to:

Improve the chances of recovery so that every child can look forward to a healthy future.

Offer Quebec children the best treatments in the world through research and medical innovation.

Promote access to care and innovative therapies regardless of families’ geographic or socioeconomic status.

Reduce treatment-related side effects to ease children’s daily lives and lighten their journey.

Preserve survivors’ quality of life by reducing the risk of sequelae and supporting their long-term recovery.

Every donation and every action taken on behalf of Leucan contributes to a brighter future for children affected by cancer and for those who will have the opportunity to grow up thanks to advances in research.

Provide financial assistance

Victor, 4 years old, has retinoblastoma in his left eye.

A child’s cancer diagnosis affects much more than just their health: it also undermines families’ financial stability. Often, one parent has to take time off work to accompany their child during hospitalizations and treatments, which in some cases can last for several years. Added to this are significant expenses: transportation, accommodation, parking, and meals at the hospital, which quickly add up and place considerable financial stress on an already difficult situation.

Aware of this reality, Leucan is taking action to ease this burden. Through its financial assistance programs, the Association offers concrete and rapid support to families, allowing them to focus fully on what matters most: the health and well-being of their child.

In 2024-2025, $1,196,070 was given directly to families to help them financially.

An emergency fund is also available to meet urgent needs, whether for food, rent, or other essential expenses. In addition, young people living with physical or psychological effects related to their illness can benefit from a tailored financial assistance program for up to 20 years after the end of their treatment.

Even before the diagnosis, there is often a period of uncertainty during which a parent must take time off work. Then, when the diagnosis is confirmed, life is turned upside down. One parent, sometimes both, puts their career on hold to be with the child and continue caring for their siblings. Frequent trips, unexpected hospitalizations, parking, transportation, and meal expenses at the hospital quickly add up. And despite all this, the bills keep coming in, as if nothing had changed. The assistance they receive makes their daily lives a little easier during this period of uncertainty.

Nathalie Latour

Advisor, reception and family services at Leucan Laurentides–Lanaudière, since 2018.

Leucan acts daily to:

Reduce the financial stress on parents so that they can get through this difficult time with a little less worry.
Compensate for some of the loss of income caused by a parent’s absence from work.
Improve the quality of life of survivors by providing financial support to those living with long-term effects.

Help offered:

Welcome grants and support grants available as soon as the diagnosis is announced and throughout the course of treatment.
Emergency fund for everyday emergencies.
Financial assistance program dedicated to post-treatment sequelae to support young survivors in their recovery and life plans.

Every gesture of support for Leucan helps ease the daily lives of families and give them the space and peace of mind they so desperately need to care for their child.

Financial assistance is undoubtedly one of the most significant things Leucan has been able to offer our family. It’s a service that isn’t talked about much, but really makes a difference. Even though I’ve gone back to work, the follow-up appointments continue: blood tests, weekly hospital appointments, parking, transportation… all of that comes at a cost. And Leucan is there to support us with all of these expenses.

Cloé

Victor’s mother

To comfort, to inform, to guide

Youssef, 7 years old, suffering from acute lymphoblastic leukemia

When a child is diagnosed with cancer, life is turned upside down for the child and their family. That’s when Leucan steps in, with compassion and kindness, to offer a listening ear, comfort, and guidance.

Over the past year, 312 new cases and relapses were diagnosed in Quebec. Leucan was there for these families from the very beginning.

Shortly after the diagnosis, a Leucan counselor meets with the family at the hospital and gives them a welcome kit containing small symbolic gifts: a soft stuffed animal and two treatment vests designed to facilitate care without wearing a hospital gown. These simple gestures bring warmth and normalcy to the heart of the ordeal.

As soon as a pediatric cancer diagnosis is announced, life is turned upside down for the child and their family. That’s when Leucan steps in, with humanity and kindness, to offer a listening ear, comfort, and guidance.

Shortly after the diagnosis, a Leucan counselor meets with the family at the hospital and gives them a welcome kit containing small symbolic gifts: a soft stuffed animal and two treatment vests designed to facilitate care without having to wear a hospital gown. These simple gestures bring warmth and normalcy to the heart of the ordeal.

Leucan provides support at every stage, whether in the hospital, at home, or after treatment. Children, parents, and siblings find a listening ear, comfort, and support tailored to their needs to help them through the ups and downs of the disease.

I remember a mother who, during her last visits to the hospital, simply thanked us for taking the time to talk with her about everything and nothing: sometimes about her child’s cancer, sometimes about lighthearted things over coffee in the waiting room. She confided in us that with us, she felt like a “normal” family and not a family “affected by cancer.” It lightened the pitying looks she received too often. Our presence, our little conversations, and those moments of normality made a real difference for her.

Annabelle Fortin

Psychoeducator at Leucan since September 2024.

Leucan offers families and healthcare professionals the largest French-language information center on pediatric cancer. Accessible at all times, it provides clear resources on treatments, their effects, the impact on families, and inspiring testimonials. A valuable resource for finding comfort and better understanding what lies ahead.

Leucan acts daily to:

Ease parents’ distress when the diagnosis is announced.
Reassure and accompany families with personalized support and reliable information.
Support the child, their parents, and their siblings at every stage, from diagnosis to recovery, including the return home.

Help offered:

Welcome and comfort kit upon diagnosis.
Emotional support and assistance in hospitals and at home.
Leucan Information Center, the largest French-language library on pediatric cancer.

Because no parent should ever have to face their child’s illness alone, Leucan is there, day after day, to offer support where it is most needed.

Leucan counselors check in with us and ask how we are doing. We feel that we are not alone. It is important to reach out to them and ask questions. The website is full of relevant resources. Sometimes, even the counselors don’t think to mention everything right away because there are so many services available. It’s this kind of support that makes a huge difference when you’re going through a period like this. We feel reassured with them.

Caroline

Youssef’s mother

Reducing physical and psychological suffering

Luca, 4 years old, suffering from Wilms’ tumor

The well-being of the entire family, at every stage of the disease, is at the heart of Leucan’s mission. To relieve the pain of children with cancer and ease the stress of their loved ones, the Association offers concrete services with a humane approach.

Among these services, massage therapy specialized in pediatric oncology plays a valuable role. Offered both at the hospital and at home, it provides children undergoing treatment with a moment of comfort, reduces pain, and promotes a positive connection with the sense of touch. Parents and siblings can also benefit from this service, which offers a welcome break from a difficult routine. Provided by therapists specifically trained to work with this clientele, these massages are an essential source of well-being in a daily life often marked by fear and helplessness.

In 2024-2025, 560 families benefited from massage therapy to reduce pain and stress.

Being a massage therapist at Leucan means gently supporting a child and their family during treatment and until the very end of their life. I once had the privilege of massaging a child about 20 minutes before they passed away. The trust that the family placed in me that day remains one of the most memorable moments of my career. The close bond that develops with families and their deep gratitude make my work deeply human and valuable.

Isabelle Bujold

Massage therapist at Leucan since June 2001.

Leucan also offers bereaved families tailored psychosocial support, support groups, healing activities, and an annual memorial ceremony. These services allow parents and loved ones to grieve surrounded by support and to forge bonds with other families who have gone through the same trials.

Leucan acts daily to:

Alleviate parents’ feelings of helplessness in the face of their child’s suffering.
Ease the psychological distress of parents and siblings.
Provide children with care that relieves pain and helps them cope better with treatment.
Reduce the side effects of treatments.
Support and comfort bereaved families.

Help offered:

Specialized massage therapy at the hospital and at home for children, parents, brothers, and sisters.
Psychosocial support and counseling during and after illness.
End-of-life care and bereavement counseling services for families who have lost a child.

Because beyond medical treatment, people need kindness, respite, and support to get through the unthinkable.

When we got the diagnosis, it was overwhelming. Everything happened so fast. Leucan’s support was immediate, and the emotional support, such as massage therapy, is wonderful. Luca loves his massages; the massage therapist sometimes comes to our home, and he also enjoys getting massages at the hospital. It’s so relaxing for him. The support provided to our family is nothing but positive.

Kayla

Luca’s mother

Breaking isolation and contributing to well-being

Billie, 3 years old, suffering from acute lymphoblastic leukemia

Leucan also provides moments of relief, fun, and comfort throughout the illness. Because treatments and hospitalization isolate children and their families on a daily basis, Leucan offers various activities tailored to their reality to break the isolation and allow families to regain a little lightheartedness.

Leucan has set up playrooms in various hospitals where specialized educators offer fun and creative activities. These moments allow children to have fun and think about something other than their treatments. The educators are also there to lend a caring ear to parents, brothers, and sisters.

At home, families often tend to withdraw into themselves to protect their child, whose immune system is weakened. To help them break out of this isolation, Leucan organizes safe and adapted social and recreational activities where families can get together, talk, and bond with other families in similar situations. Each activity is designed with the children’s physical abilities and energy levels in mind, allowing them to regain their self-confidence and create happy memories despite their illness.

Leucan’s activities offer families a safe space where they can share their experiences, talk, and catch their breath at a time when they are losing all their bearings. These moments spent with other children, other parents, and other siblings break the isolation imposed by the disease through activities tailored to each individual. Witnessing the bonds that form between these families and sharing the moments of respite that Leucan offers them during this terrible ordeal is what gives meaning to our work.

Laurie Gingras

Social and Recreational Activities Coordinator at Leucan since November 2017.

Returning to school is also a major challenge for children with cancer. Physical changes, long absences, specific needs: going back to school can be a source of great anxiety. Leucan supports families by visiting schools to inform, educate, and equip school staff and classmates. This approach promotes the child’s integration, prevents bullying, and develops empathy and solidarity around them.

In 2024-2025, Leucan supported 50 children with cancer as they returned to school and raised awareness about pediatric cancer among nearly 1,280 young people.

Billie loves the hospital. When it’s time to leave after her treatments, she asks me to stay so she can go back to Leucan’s playroom. It shows how well the environment has been designed for children: both in the hospital’s play areas and in other activities, it’s wonderful! At Christmas, since Billie can’t go to playgrounds with other children because of her condition, we attended a big event organized by Leucan at an indoor play center in Saint-Bruno. It felt good to be in a joyful holiday atmosphere, in complete safety.

Sarah

Billie’s mother

Leucan acts daily to:

Break the isolation of families and provide them with opportunities to come together.
Contribute to the well-being of children during their treatment and at home.
Support awareness efforts to promote openness and understanding in schools and communities.

Help offered:

Adapted and safe social and recreational activities for families.
Entertainment and support in a hospital playroom.
Awareness-raising and support during the return to school.

Because a child who laughs and a family that feels supported is also a step closer to recovery.

Complementary services and programs – activities offered to families

Jocelyn-Demers Award

Created in 1999 in tribute to Dr. Jocelyn Demers, pediatric hematologist-oncologist and co-founder of Leucan, this award recognizes the academic perseverance and personal achievement of the Association’s young members. Each year, four scholarships totaling $7,000 are awarded at Leucan’s annual general meeting to support these young people in pursuing their studies.

Here are the four 2024 recipients:

Salma N’Hammoucha

At age 14, Salma’s education was interrupted by a cancer diagnosis. Returning to class after demanding treatments was difficult. Despite the obstacles, she demonstrated remarkable adaptability, perseverance, and openness, accepting the support offered to her to better resume her education.

Justine Belaskie

Diagnosed with brain cancer at age 13, Justine has had to cope with significant after-effects, including problems with concentration and comprehension. Thanks to her determination, curiosity, and maturity, she has overcome many challenges and is now pursuing studies in legal techniques.

Arianne Martineau

At age 16, Arianne was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia and experienced several medical complications in the first few months. Known for her enthusiasm and perseverance, she remains cheerful and has big dreams: to complete a bachelor’s degree in kinesiology and pursue medical studies.

Ayden Vallières Goncalvez

In remission from stage 4 Ewing’s sarcoma, Ayden, now in 10th grade, lives with physical and psychological aftereffects. His return to school has been fraught with challenges. Thanks to his sustained efforts and resilience, he has managed to maintain his place in the science program and now aims to study kinesiology at university.

Volunteer of the Year Award

Martine Deslauriers

Volunteers are essential to the Association, and it is important to highlight their dedication and commitment to the cause. Leucan would like to recognize the tremendous commitment of Martine Deslauriers, our Volunteer of the Year. Martine has been volunteering with Leucan for over 20 years. She is involved with Leucan-CSN Summer Camp and the camp committees at Central 12-17. A nurse by profession, she provides a reassuring presence for the Leucan team during activities. She puts all her expertise to work for children with cancer and their families. We would like to highlight her thoroughness, kindness, and great empathy. Thank you for supporting Leucan by prioritizing the well-being of families.

The Leucan-CSN Summer Camp 2024

Every year, the Leucan-CSN Summer Camp offers an exceptional setting where families can recharge their batteries while receiving medical support tailored to their specific needs. In July 2024, this eagerly awaited event enabled 50 Leucan families to enjoy a real vacation at the enchanting Camp Carowanis in Sainte-Agathe-des-Monts. Under a theme inspired by the famous Survivor series, the children, divided into clans according to their age, participated each day in challenges related to the elements of nature: air, fire, water, and earth.

The families took part in a host of activities tailored to each individual: canoeing, swimming, archery, rallies, campfires, and much more. The camp allowed children with cancer, their siblings, and their parents to break out of isolation and create precious memories in an environment supervised by Leucan staff, Camp Carowanis staff, and a medical team available 24 hours a day.

Since 1996, the CSN and its affiliated organizations have generously supported Leucan by fully funding the Leucan-CSN Summer Camp. This exceptional loyalty, combined with the mobilization of their members, makes it possible to offer this precious respite to families affected by pediatric cancer every year.

New financial assistance program to preserve fertility in young cancer survivors

Did you know that treatments for pediatric cancer cause significant side effects in two-thirds of young patients, one of them being infertility?

In 2024, Leucan, the Charles-Bruneau Foundation, and the Quebec Cancer Foundation announced a partnership to create a new financial assistance program to support young people living with the aftereffects of cancer and its treatments. Funded by the three organizations, this new financial assistance will allow to extend the storage of reproductive cells for an additional five years by covering the annual storage fees.

Since November 15, 2021, the Quebec Assisted Human Reproduction Program (PQPA) has been providing storage services for ovarian tissue, eggs, sperm, or embryos as part of fertility preservation for surgical or gonadotoxic reasons for five years or until the age of 25. After that, annual storage fees are payable.

Adapting to new realities to provide better support

On average, in Quebec, women have their first child at age 31 and men at age 34. Leucan, the Charles-Bruneau Foundation, and the Quebec Cancer Foundation felt it was important to adapt to the current needs of these young people and thus extend the storage period for reproductive cells.

From now on, the additional annual costs for sample storage will be covered by this new partnership, allowing storage until the age of 30 instead of 25. The goal is to give young people with cancer more time to make major decisions that will impact their future, allowing them to regain control of their adult lives without forcing them to make hasty choices and relieving them of an additional financial burden.

Florence

17 years old, diagnosed with Hodgkin’s lymphoma.

A natural partnership between three Quebec organizations

As three major players in pediatric oncology, this partnership demonstrates the importance of Quebec’s leadership in the fight against the long-term effects of cancer in children. Supporting cancer survivors living with the long-term effects of cancer, improving their quality of life, easing their daily lives, and comforting them are all at the heart of the respective missions of the three organizations involved in this project.

This project is essential to better meet the needs of families whose children have cancer. For our three organizations, joining forces was the obvious choice in order to adapt to the changing realities of these young people. This new program is in line with our respective missions and further demonstrates that, together, we are much stronger, we act more quickly, and we can offer more.

Juli Meilleur, Rébecca Dumont et Marco Décelles

Executive Director of Leucan | Executive Director of the Charles-Bruneau Foundation | Executive Director of the Foundation

Learn more about the program

New initiative: gaining a better understanding of the psychosocial needs of families affected by pediatric cancer

Since 2021, Leucan has been conducting a major participatory study aimed at better understanding the psychosocial needs of families affected by pediatric cancer. Carried out in collaboration with a university research team and other community partners, this initiative has laid the groundwork for a large-scale project to co-develop interventions tailored to the realities of these families.

An online survey was conducted among 370 parents, 11 siblings, and 60 individuals who had been diagnosed with cancer as children. Their testimonials revealed common concerns: managing intense emotions, accepting the diagnosis, and coping with the psychological burden of the disease, its treatments, and the upheaval it causes in family life.

These results confirm the need to implement specialized interventions that support not only children with cancer, but also their parents, siblings, and the entire family system. Leucan will continue its commitment to this project in order to develop concrete psychosocial services rooted in the real needs expressed by families.

“This initiative stems from the observation that parents of children with cancer are often considered ‘hidden patients.’ What parents are going through is traumatic, and we need to be able to recognize that. Too rarely supported, they nevertheless have to cope with immense challenges: caring for their sick child, maintaining their own psychological balance, supporting their other children, and preserving the functioning of the family.

Research clearly shows an increased risk of developing anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress symptoms. The better parents are able to adapt to the turmoil of their child’s cancer, the better the child will feel about the disease.” – Élodie Bergeron, Director of Family Services, Research, and Partnerships at Leucan since 2021.

THE OBJECTIVES OF THE PROJECT ARE TO:

Co-develop, co-implement, and co-evaluate a psychological intervention program to support the well-being of families.
Support parents in learning different strategies associated with improving psychological health in the context of their child’s cancer and support them in applying these strategies (emotional expression, psychological flexibility, coping strategies, psychological well-being, quality of life).
Equip parents to intervene with their children, support their psychological health, and better communicate their needs (feelings of competence in managing behaviors and challenges, emotional regulation and communication, applying strategies, and family lifestyle habits).
Enable parents to discuss their realities with each other.

This initiative reinforces Leucan’s mission to break the isolation of families and offer them compassionate and tailored support throughout their journey.

This initiative is based on best clinical practices, the needs expressed by Leucan families, and existing services in Quebec. After a pilot implementation and evaluation, the program will be enhanced for rollout in other intervention settings.

Leucan is funding this project to the tune of $86,250 over three years and is continuing its efforts to obtain additional financial support to ensure the deployment of this essential program.

Leucan Events

The excitement surrounding the Leucan Shaved Head Challenge is as strong as ever.

For 24 years, the Leucan Shaved Head Challenge, presented by Proxim, has brought together generous participants across Quebec who agree to shave their heads or cut their ponytails in solidarity with children with cancer. For the 2024-2025 edition, nearly 1,500 people from across Quebec took part in the Challenge’s great wave of solidarity. In addition to 14 official shaving sites organized by the Leucan team, various groups, companies, schools, and organizations joined the movement by organizing their own Challenge across Quebec. As the Challenge enters its quarter-century campaign, more than 100,000 people have made the most supportive gesture for children diagnosed with cancer.

Thanks to the determination of our incredible participants and their donors, nearly $2,100,000 has been raised for children with cancer and their families. The Association would like to acknowledge the generosity of all stakeholders who contributed to the campaign’s success: the participants in the 2024-2025 edition; Proxim, presenter of the event since 2016; the regional honorary presidents; the spokesperson families; the partners; the donors; and the invaluable volunteers.

New initiative from Leucan Shaved Head Challenge: The Hair Salon Great Cup, presented by Novyco

New this year: The Hair Salon Great Cup, presented by Novyco! This Leucan initiative brought together several hair salons from across the province in a friendly competition.

By creating their own team on the Leucan Shaved Head Challenge website, participating salons encouraged their customers to take up the Challenge in exchange for a free haircut at their establishment. Thanks to the mobilization of the salons and their customers, more than $23,200 was donated to Leucan.

A special thank you to Marcus Villeneuve for his dedication and big heart! In addition to acting as an ambassador for the project, he also took up the Challenge and shaved his head for the cause.

Les Audacieuses 2025: fifth and final edition filled with emotion and solidarity

After five incredible years and the participation of 47 women, the Audacieuses project came to a close in 2025 with a final cohort. Together, eight exceptional women raised an impressive $227,000 to support children with cancer and their families.

Since its first edition in 2020, the Les Audacieuses campaign has raised over $1.3 million, while breaking beauty standards and opening up dialogue about femininity.

Leucan would like to thank everyone who contributed in any way to the success of this final edition and warmly congratulate the eight Audacieuses of 2025.

Les Audacieuses raised over $227,000. (From left to right: Isabelle Adjahi, Andréanne Gauthier, Valérie Lemieux, Catherine Gendron, Sophie Desmarais, Karine Toutant, Nathalie Hébert, and Caroline Casabon. (CNW Group/Leucan)

Leucan Ski Challenge 2025: 20 years of helping children with cancer get back on their feet

The Leucan Ski Challenge, co-presented by Fenplast and Thaïzone, celebrated its 20th anniversary in 2025. For the occasion, 1,238 skiers and snowboarders hit the slopes in support of the cause on six mountains across Quebec. More than $1 million was raised by participants, the third-highest amount in the history of the Leucan Ski Challenge.

The Challenge has three components: a participatory component for friends or family, a solo component, and a corporate component for colleagues. New this year: the limit on the number of participants per team has been removed. Teams can now have as many members as they want for even more fun on the slopes.

2025 Leucan Chefs’ Challenge: five evenings of delicacies and unforgettable moments

This year, for the first time ever, the Leucan Chefs’ Challenge had a provincial sponsor: Steamatic. The event, presented by Steamatic, brought guests together for five memorable gourmet evenings across Quebec: in Abitibi, Montérégie, Outaouais, Saguenay, and Mauricie. Leucan was able to count on the valuable support of major partners such as Harmonia Insurance, Desjardins Securities, the Choquette-Legault Foundation, Niobec, Elkem Metal, and Lambert Therrien Lawyers for the success of its events.

In each region, renowned chefs competed in friendly culinary challenges: tapas, main courses, desserts, and coffee, in front of an enthusiastic audience that acted as the jury. Thanks to the generosity of the participants and the commitment of the chefs, more than 1,900 guests took part in the event, raising nearly $800,000 for children with cancer and their families. Leucan extends its sincere thanks to all the chefs who rose to the challenge with flying colors, helping to make these evenings truly unforgettable.

Leucan Expedition 2025: transported to the heart of Peru

The 8th edition of the Leucan Expedition, which took place in Peru, brought together 27 participants driven by a desire to push themselves and a spirit of kindness. Thanks to their exceptional commitment, $111,069 was raised for Leucan. 

The Leucan Expedition took place in the heart of Peru’s magnificent landscapes. Two groups experienced this human and athletic adventure in April 2025. Participants had the opportunity to explore iconic sites such as Cusco, Machu Picchu, and the Sacred Valley, while pushing their physical limits during the Ausangate trek. This journey took them to Vinicunca Mountain, the famous rainbow mountain, perched at an altitude of over 5,000 meters. 

The Leucan Expedition is above all a journey marked by solidarity and self-transcendence, all in an enchanting setting. We would like to express our heartfelt thanks to all the participants and partners who took part in this exceptional adventure in support of Leucan families.

Leucan Experience 2024: Record amount raised at the heart of the Leucan universe

On October 10, 2024, nearly 500 guests attended the Association’s major corporate fundraising event, the Leucan Experience, presented by Olymel, under the honorary chairmanship of the company’s president and CEO, Mr. Yanick Gervais. Gathered at the Marché Bonsecours in Montreal, the guests were at the heart of the evening’s success, which set a new record by raising $754,058 for children with cancer and their families.  

Guests enjoyed an emotionally rich experience during the evening. Under the theme of space, they were transported into the world of Leucan, at the heart of the reality of families with children suffering from cancer. Musical numbers created from songs that are meaningful to Leucan’s children and families enlivened the evening.

The one-day astronauts, including Marie-Mai, the Association’s patron, were invited to take on missions related to the world of Leucan to learn more about its services and activities. A live auction, a virtual auction, and a raffle once again demonstrated the great generosity of those in attendance.

The guests of the Leucan Experience were completely immersed in the world of Leucan and spread hope and love to families affected by pediatric cancer. Thanks to their generosity, Leucan will be able to continue fulfilling wishes for comfort and support.

The 2024 Leucan Ultramarathon: another record-breaking year for the 15th edition of the Leucan Ultramarathon!

Whether in terms of the number of participants or the amount raised, the Leucan Ultramarathon broke records in 2024. More than 500 runners took up the challenge, and their commitment raised $567,791 for children with cancer and their families. Approximately 320 runners participated in the endurance event, taking turns over 32 hours to cover a distance of 300 km through the beautiful Saguenay-Lac-Saint-Jean region.  

Leucan would also like to thank the organizing committee, Dave McMullen, Dave Bard, Donald Dubois, and Pascal Morin for their dedication and unwavering support of Leucan.

Major donations and partnerships

Once again this year, Leucan is touched by the generosity of all those who choose to support children with cancer and their families. Every contribution, big or small, has a real and valuable impact on the lives of these families who are going through every trials the illness brings.

Thanks to your solidarity, Leucan can continue to offer essential, tailored, and compassionate services that support families every step of the way. From the bottom of our hearts, thank you to each and every one of you for being part of this chain of support and hope. Together, we are making a difference.

Special thanks to the CSN

For 29 years now, the CSN has been a loyal ally to children with cancer and their families. Thanks to its immense generosity and the unwavering support of its affiliated organizations, the CSN has donated more than $5 million over the years through the Leucan-CSN Summer Camp Foundation.

Through its extraordinary commitment and numerous fundraising activities, the CSN helps break the isolation of families affected by the disease. This support helps fund the Leucan-CSN Summer Camp, a unique camp in Quebec that is entirely adapted to the reality of children with cancer. The camp offers families a respite, an opportunity to recharge their batteries, bond, and enjoy unforgettable moments.

The values of solidarity and mutual aid upheld by the CSN and its members translate, year after year, into a concrete and lasting impact on the lives of Leucan families.

On behalf of all the families who benefit each year from this warm and humane stay, Leucan sincerely thanks the CSN for its exceptional commitment, loyalty, and unwavering generosity.

Corporate donors and foundations

$50,000 and above

Alecxange Fondation

Leucan sincerely thanks the Alecxange Foundation for its great generosity. Through the creation of Alec’s Gift, the Foundation is helping to enhance the emergency fund by providing essential financial support to families whose children have cancer. Your generosity brings real relief to those who need it most. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts for your solidarity.

Corporate donors and foundations

$25,000 to $49,999

Centre éducatif Espace 7 000,

Québec Blue Cross,

Dessercom,

Fédération des producteurs d’œufs du Québec,

Cole Foundation,

Fondation D’Amours,

Fondation Famille Léger,

Previan Foundation,

Labelink,

Loto-Québec’s Loterie Loto-o-suivant

Jaclyn Fisher Foundation

Corporate donors and foundations

$25,000 and under

AbbVie,

BMR Brideco Saint-Honoré,

Caisse de dépôt et placement du Québec,

Caisse Desjardins de Trois-Rivières,

Caisse Desjardins de Sainte-Foy,

Care Camps Foundation,

Centre du Camion Beaudoin Inc.,

Chantier Davie Canada Inc.,

DELAN – Chasseurs de talents en TI,

Didactikus,

Eldorado Gold (Québec),

Elecal Inc.,

Elkem Métal Canada Inc.,

Érable du Québec,

Ferme Sylanne,

Fidelity Investments Canada ULC,

Fondation Bergeron-Jetté,

Fondation Desjardins,

Fondation Du Domaine-du-Roy,

Fondation Famille Godin,

Fondation Émilie-Tavernier-Gamelin,

Fondation Famille Carré-Tremblay,

Fondation Lise et Richard Fortin,

Fondation Montoni,

Fondation Norman Fortier,

Fondation Québec Philanthrope,

Fondation Roland St-Arnaud,

Fondation SSQ,

Fondation Tremblant,

Fondation Ultramar,

Fonds Fondation Paul-A. Fournier,

Frisia Foundation,

Garaga Un Rayon de Soleil,

Glencore Fonderie Horne,

Gloria Baylis Foundation,

Groupe Cabico,

Groupe Canam,

Groupe Patrick Morin,

Kezber,

Iamgold Mine Westwood,

Innergex,

Institut Canadien de Plomberie,

Aldo Group,

Les Constructions Groupe Mathieu,

Les Services TGV,

Logistiques Logan Inc.,

Galeries de la Capitale Méga Parc,

Missionnaires de Notre-Dame-des Anges,

Œuvres Régis Vernet,

Oikos Construction,

Produits Forestiers Résolu,

Pomango,

Power Corporation of Canada,

Remtec,

Rio Tinto – Usine Alma,

Sanimax,

Squarepoint Foundation,

The W.P. Scott Foundation,

Toitures Brault,

Transport Bourassa,

TWM Group IA Private Wealth,

Valmétal Inc.,

Val-Morin Signature,

Walmart,

Zone Enseignes

Cause Marketing

Over $100,000

Mia Bijoux

On the occasion of the 11th edition of the Leucan Earrings of hope, Mia Bijoux donated over $160,000 to Leucan. Since 2015, this exceptional partnership has raised over $1.5 million to support essential services for families of children with cancer. A huge thank you to Mia Bijoux, the campaign ambassadors, and all the loyal buyers who, year after year, make this initiative a real success.

Cause Marketing

Up to $25,000

Buropro Citation

Intermiel

Le Groupe Lemur

Metatuq

Souris Mini

Solem

Uni et Brave

Individual donor

$10,000 and above

Yvon Charest,

Jacques Cyr.

$1,000 to $9,999

Georges Amyot,

Guy Archambault,

Charles Arseneault,

Steven Audet,

Jacques Auger,

Alain Aumais,

Eugène Bachand,

Alexandre Beaulé,

Louis-Marie Beaulieu,

Robert Beauregard,

Serge Bélanger,

Pierre Bélisle,

Claude Bellemare,

Luc Bertrand,

Lucy Bonguigui,

Dominique Bergeron,

Guy Bérubé,

Nicolas Besner,

Alexandre Blackburn,

Catherine Blackburn,

Jean-Pierre Blais,

Yvan Blais,

Richard Boisvert,

Jérémie Bolduc,

Émilien Bolduc,

Carl Bouchard,

Dominique Bouchard,

Éric Bouchard,

Mélanie Bouchard,

Jacques Boulay,

Maxime Boulay,

Laval Boulianne,

Paul Bouthillier,

Marcel-Olivier Brodeur,

Gilles Brouillard,

Daniel Bujold,

Jeff Cantin,

Robert Carbonneau,

Julie Charbonneau,

Claude Charrette,

Patrick Charlebois,

Alexis Charpentier,

Stéphane Chevigny,

Francine Clermont,

Jocelyne Cliche,

Marc-André Coallier,

Joanna Cooper,

Patrick Cossette,

Hélène Courteau,

Micheline Coutu,

Alexandre Cyr,

Daniel Dagenais,

Ginette Daigneault,

Gilberte Dalcourt,

Jean-Marc Dallaire,

Réjean Dallaire,

Henrik Daunais,

JF De Grandpré,

Richard De la Fontaine,

Jacques De Larochellière,

Gilbert Demers,

Philippe L. Dépatie,

Amélie Desgagnés,

Charles Desjardins,

Jacques Desnoyers,

Nicolas Dorval,

Gisèle Doucet,

André Doyon,

Christian Drouin,

Johanne Duchesne-Daoust,

Georges Dufresne,

Joannie Dupuis,

Marion Dupuis,

Peggy Duquet,

Claude Dussault,

Laurent Duvernay-Tardif,

Josianne Fillion,

Sébastien Fontaine,

Sylvie Fortin,

Mélissa Frigon,

Camil Gagné,

Daniel Garneau,

Richard Garneau,

Denise Gaudet-Gagnon,

Serge Gendron,

Élise Gendron,

Hugues Gibeault,

Steve Gilbert,

Christopher Girard,

Isabelle Girard,

Olivier Giroux,

Éloïsa Guisti,

Sébastien Gourgeon,

Philip Goyette,

Sonia Grenier,

Mikaël Guadagnano,

Rachel Hart,

Sébastien Houde,

Claude Jacques,

François Joly,

François Jubinville,

Audrey Kenny,

Andy Kong,

Philippe Labrecque,

Susan Labrecque,

Rémi Lachance,

Junior Laflamme,

Réjean Lafortune,

Anick Lalancette,

Stéphane Lamarre,

Lyne Lamothe,

Guy Langlais,

Maxime Langlais,

Justine Lapointe,

Marcel Larochelle,

Samuel Larochelle,

Caroline Laurence,

Normand Laurence,

John Laurent,

Philip Lavigne,

Samuel Leblanc,

René Leclerc,

Éric Lemay,

Brigitte Létourneau,

Denis Lévesque,

Patrick Logan,

Nicole Loiselle,

Renee Lou-Lovell,

Claudine Loranger,

Jean Marchand,

Louise Mathieu,

Jean-Guy Marsan,

Bibiane Martin,

Jacques Martin,

Juli Meilleur,

Louise Meloche-Filion,

Patrick Menda,

Monique Mercier,

Réal Mercier,

Fouzia Meslem,

Sébastien Michaud,

Stéphanie MIeze,

Normand Morel,

François Morin,

Richard Morisette,

Pascal Nadeau,

Catherine Newman,

Isabelle Nicolas,

Gaétane Normandin,

Cyril Paciullo,

Johanne Paiment,

David Paradis,

Valérie Paré,

Danièle Parent,

Danielle Parent,

Jean-Charles Passard,

Marie-Claude Pelland-Marcotte,

Steve Pellerin,

Anne-Marie Pelletier,

Yves Pelletier,

Lise Piché-Émery,

Stéphane Pigeon,

Patricia Poulin,

Keven Pouliot,

Yves Prévost,

José Quintero,

Lise Quirion,

Denis Ricard,

Marie-Berthe Richard,

Jocelyn Rioux,

Guy Rivière,

Chanel Robertson,

Jean-Michel Rochefort,

Julie Rochette,

Jean-François Rouillard,

Marco Rouillard,

Danièle Routaboule,

Brigitte Roy,

Christian Roy,

Nadia Roy,

Soufia Saadaoui,

William Savard,

Christopher Spafford,

Sébastien St-Hilaire,

Miguel St-Pierre,

Catherine Sylvestre,

Pier-Luc Talbot,

Urbain Talbot,

Pierre Thabet,

Jean-Sébastien Théorêt,

Martin Thériault,

Danielle Thibault,

Nancy Thomas,

Vincent Timpano,

Israël Tremblay,

Frédéric Tremblay,

Louis Valiquette,

Louis-Éric Vallée,

Marielle Vincent,

Jerzy Wozn

Various involvements

Over $100,000

Proxim

A huge thank you to Proxim for its unwavering commitment. A loyal ally of Leucan for many years and presenter of the Leucan Shaved Head Challenge since 2016, Proxim stands out for its generosity and constant dedication to children with cancer and their families. Pharmacist-owners, staff, and management join forces wholeheartedly to support our cause. Thanks to this remarkable commitment, more than $1.6 million has been donated to Leucan over the years. Thank you for being an essential pillar of support for our families.

Fenplast

Thank you to Fenplast for its remarkable commitment since 2014. Fenplast stands out for its ongoing support as a presenter of the Leucan Ski Challenge and for the active involvement of its employees in numerous fundraising initiatives. Once again this year, the company demonstrated its generosity by raising over $100,000 for children with cancer and their families. Leucan thanks you for your invaluable commitment and support in achieving its mission.

iA Financial Group

Since 2015, iA Financial Group has been much more than a partner to Leucan—it has been a true ally. As a major donor and organizer of the annual Leucan Shaved Head Challenge, the company rallies its teams around an essential cause: supporting children with cancer and their families. Thanks to this loyal commitment, iA makes a concrete contribution to important services such as the psychological support fund and the financing of clinical research in pediatric oncology. Once again this year, your generosity and solidarity have shone through. Your commitment makes a difference, and we are proud to be able to count on you.

$50,000 to $99,999

Hart,

Niobec

Committed communities

$75,000 and above

25 Heures de hockey

This year, the 25 Heures de hockey broke all records by raising over $81,000 to support children with cancer and their families. We would like to express our sincere gratitude to the organizing committee, donors, and all the players who support the Association. Your commitment and generosity touch us deeply.

The Tim Hortons Smile Cookie Campaign to benefit Leucan

Thank you to Tim Hortons for its valuable support in holding its Smile Cookie Campaign in Estrie and Montérégie. Thanks to the remarkable commitment of franchisees and their teams, more than $190,000 was raised this year. Thank you for your exceptional mobilization on behalf of children with cancer and their families. Your support makes a big difference.

The Marche-don, cours-don

Leucan would like to warmly thank the CSN and its affiliated members for their outstanding commitment to the third edition of the Marche-don, cours-don held on March 16 in support of Leucan-CSN Summer Camp. Thanks to the mobilization of more than 350 participants in over 60 teams across Quebec, more than $130,000 was donated to Leucan to help families enjoy some much-needed respite. Thank you to the CSN for being a loyal and committed partner for 29 years.

The truck ride organized by Transport Jacques Auger

We would like to express our deep gratitude to Transport Jacques Auger, which once again demonstrated exceptional solidarity during the Promenade en camion event, raising over $169,000. For over 20 years, the commitment of Mr. Jacques Auger, his children Andréanne and Marc-Antoine, the entire team, and their partners, donors, and collaborators has made it possible to donate over $2 million to Leucan. Your loyalty and generosity have an immeasurable impact on the lives of families whose children are affected by cancer. Leucan is grateful to be able to count on your unwavering support.

The Ultramarathon

For its 15th edition, the Ultramarathon for Leucan raised an impressive $569,021. Leucan would like to acknowledge the commitment of all participants as well as that of the organizing committee, led by Dave McMullen, Dave Bard, Pascal Morin, and Donal Dubois. Your dedication to our mission once again illustrates the power of collective effort. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts.

Committed communities

$50,000 to $74,999

Association des constructeurs de routes et grands travaux du Québec (ACRGTQ),

Childhood Cancer Canada,

Fondation canadienne du cancer chez l’enfant,

Financière Fairstone,

Pro-Am Sun Life,

Tournoi de golf Simon Gagné

$25,000 to $49,999

Bistro Ophélia,

Canac,

Défi des sommets,

Groupe Métro Plouffe,

La Classique Kevin Raphaël,

Mode Choc,

Sherweb,

Tour des Monts Valin,

Voix d’Espoir

$25,000 and under

5@7 au Port de Baie-Comeau,

Alcoa – Aluminerie de Deschambault,

Aubainerie,

Autodrome de Granby,

Canadian Online Giving Foundation,

Collège Français Primaire de Longueuil,

Couche-Tard,

École Sophie-Barat,

Festival Hors-Route,

Figaro Barbershop,

Fonds de charité des employés de la ville de Montréal

Gala de lutte au profit de Leucan, organisé par le Club de Lutte T.U.W Inc.,

Groupe MTY, pour Thaïzone,

Humania Assurances,

Idolem yoga chaud – Défi 24h,

Larochelle Groupe Conseil,

McHappy Day,

Le Club de hockey junior Armada de Blainville-Boisbriand,

Richter,

Semaine JDR Extra,

Tournoi de balles des pompiers de Varennes,

Tournoi Normand Laurence,

Véloventure

Financial sponsors

$50,000 and above

Olymel

Olymel has once again demonstrated its exceptional commitment to the cause of children with cancer. Thanks to its tremendous efforts, Olymel helped raise over $275,000 in donations, partnerships, and ticket sales for the 2024 edition of the Leucan Experience. Olymel’s loyal support and generosity have a real and profound impact on Leucan’s mission. Thank you very much for your valuable support.

Steamatic Canada

Leucan would like to thank Steamatic Canada for its generous commitment to the 2025 edition of the Leucan Chefs’ Challenge. By partnering with one of our signature events, Steamatic Canada continues its support for children with cancer and their families. Thank you for making a real difference in the lives of families affected by pediatric cancer.

Up to $25,000

A5 Hospitality,

Altar Construction,

Banque Scotia,

Banque Scotia Exploitation et services de la Société de Montréal,

Burrowes Courtiers d’Assurances,

Caisse Desjardins Hull-Aylmer,

Caisse Desjardins de Trois-Rivières,

Camion International Élite Ltée,

Citernes Expert Inc.,

Clinique de Santé M,

Construction Bertrand Dionne,

Deloitte,

Fédération des caisses Desjardins,

Elkem Métal Canada Inc.,

Énergie Brookshield,

Equipro,

Fabmec,

Groupe Forestra,

Groupe Maska – Saint-Hyacinthe office,

Groupe MTY, for Thaïzone

Groupe Nordik,

Harnois Énergies Inc.,

Iamgold Mine Westwood,

IBM Canada Ltée,

Isaac Instruments Inc.,

Intact Compagnie d’assurance,

Kenworth Maska,

KPMG,

Les Constructions Luc Loiselle,

Les Entreprises G. Larouche,

Les Emballages Mitchel Lincoln,

LG2,

Location Brossard,

Location de camions Eureka,

Loyal Express Transport,

Macpek,

Mallette,

McLaren Ville de Québec,

Mécanique CNC,

Métal Labonté,

Mines Agnico Eagle,

Novy Concept Inc.,

RBC Banque Royale,

Ressorts d’Auto et Camion Rock Inc.,

Sealed Air,

SBL Avocats,

Services de Personnel Saguenay Inc.,

Solutions Classe Affaires Inc.,

Sport Experts Chicoutimi,

Sun Life,

Transdiff Peterbilt,

Trois-Rivières Ford Lincoln,

Zéro Celsius

$100,000 and above

Bromont, montagne d’expériences

The very first Leucan Ski Challenge was held at Bromont, montagne d’expériences, in 2006. Since then, year after year, this unifying event has continued to grow and mobilize a community committed to children with cancer and their families. We would like to extend our warmest thanks to Bromont, montagne d’expériences, for its loyal commitment and generosity over the past 20 years.

Leclerc Communication and its radio stations WKND 91.9, BLVD 102.1, and 99.5 MTL

With the help of its radio stations WKND 91.9, BLVD 102.1, and 99.5 MTL, Leclerc Communication has been supporting Leucan’s mission for over five years by enabling the Association to promote its various fundraising activities while raising public awareness about the reality of families whose children have cancer. Thank you for this generous contribution.