Leucan is proud to launch the 4th edition of Les Audacieuses, a solidarity movement that brings together outstanding women from diverse backgrounds to inspire a wave of generosity across Quebec. Together, these women will show true solidarity with children battling cancer by shaving off their hair in the Leucan Shaved Head Challenge, presented by Proxim. In the lead-up to shave day, which takes place on Sunday, April 7 at the Fairmont The Queen Elizabeth, they will be reaching out to their own networks to raise funds in support of Leucan’s mission.
This year, Nathalie Simard—a woman who embodies the very essence of courage and boldness—is one who has accepted the challenge. Making a commitment to Leucan was a natural step for her, especially since she had been godmother to Charles Bruneau (through Leucan) when he was fighting cancer. “I’m going to shave my head in solidarity with these children and out of respect for their courage, determination, enduring spirit and resilience in the face of the illness. What I’ll be doing isn’t all that difficult . . . life goes on for me. But these children are fighting non-stop. It’s a way for me to hold their hands throughout all the uncertainty. And if my gesture can inspire others to give, so much the better,” said Simard.
“Les Audacieuses were chosen to spearhead this ambitious campaign due to their very special qualities: they’re all confident, influential, courageous, inspiring and daring women,” said Juli Meilleur, Executive Director of Leucan. “They’re also challenging society’s perception of beauty by proving to all that hair shouldn’t define femininity. We hope to inspire other women to join the movement to support children with cancer and their families,” added Meilleur.
The outstanding women of this 2024 edition are:
In the last four years, the fundraising participation rate among women has almost reached parity with that of men, thanks to Les Audacieuses.
Additional information on childhood cancer:
- A family receives a diagnosis of cancer nearly every day in Quebec.
- The survival rate for children diagnosed with cancer has increased from 15% to 82% in recent decades, thanks in part to investments made by Leucan.
- 70% of children who survive cancer will develop after-effects. For 50% of them, these problems will be severe.
- In Canada, leukemia accounts for a third of all childhood cancers among children 0 to 14 years old.
