40 Giants

I accepted to become a Giant because I see it as a duty to my family and to society.

Let me explain. I consider myself a very privileged person. I have the good fortune of being the father of three healthy sons aged 17, 20, and 22, and the chance to share extraordinary moments with them daily.

When illness never knocks at your door, it’s easy to take this happiness for granted. Unfortunately, my family and I experienced a completely different reality. At the age of eight, my second son, Jean-François, was diagnosed with leukemia. He has been in remission for 12 years now. Jean-François is a childhood cancer survivor.

Without the professional care he received at Saint-Justine Hospital, basic research, and Leucan’s support, Jean-François might not be with us today.

Humbly, I am not a giant. My gesture is that of a father paying tribute to the women and men at the origin of the incredible initiative that became Leucan. Today, as both a father and businessman, it’s my turn to pay it forward by donating to cancer research, but also to pediatric cancer survivors.

It’s my turn to give back to society for the unique gift of sharing in the daily lives of my three sons.

Thank you.

Agreeing to become a Giant for Leucan to support children’s recovery sparks many emotions. We are all vulnerable when it comes to the terrible reality of cancer and feel unprepared to deal with it. But as a member of the group of Giants, we can achieve amazing things. At Montoni, we know this from experience: our teams remind us every day of the unmeasurable value of working together toward realizing our dreams.

We all hope our children will have the opportunity to grow up and pursue their own dreams.

On a more personal note, as a mother of three, I know that our children’s well-being is on our minds from the minute they are born. I know illness can strike out of the blue. We have all marveled at the courage of those who are coping with this reality. I can only imagine what it feels like to have your life suddenly rocked by a health crisis. When this happens, for the children, their parents and their loved ones—even the smallest caring gesture can make the biggest difference.

Cancer disrupts everything for the young patient and also for his or her parents.

I decided to get involved with Leucan because the organization not only supports cancer-stricken children and their families, but also helps finance clinical research to improve their survival rates. And that is important to me, because no child should ever leave this earth before their parents. At Scotiabank, one of our goals is to ensure that our communities thrive by investing in the next generation. It is a privilege for me to be able to support a cause that achieves that goal by investing in young people and their health and fostering the development of our future leaders. Helping young people get through this disease is important, but supporting them afterward so that they are able to pursue their dreams is just as important. Leucan is the only organization that offers that kind of support.

 Thank you Leucan for 40 years of giving hope to the children of Quebec.

Throughout my career in the pharmaceutical industry, my goal has always stayed the same: to serve patients and work to improve their health. It is with that goal in mind that I agreed to become a Giant for Leucan.

My organization, JAMP Pharma, is already a partner of Leucan. We have experienced a tremendous growth over the last few years, and it’s important for me that our success extends beyond our organization. Social responsibility is part of our corporate culture, as is giving back to the community. And so, I wanted to take action personally in support of this conviction.

No one can remain indifferent to cancer, especially when it strikes children. It’s a cause that moves me deeply. As the father of four children, I consider myself very fortunate that they’ve been spared by serious illness up to now. Inside every child lies all our love and a huge future potential. We cannot let them down.

“Real generosity towards the future lies in giving all to the present.” – Albert Camus

To be a Giant for Leucan means giving to the present without any expectation. It also means to contribute to improving the health of children while applying a salve to the parents’ wounds. Together, we can make a big difference in the lives of those children waging a giant fight every day.

At RBC, community prosperity and involvement are part of our DNA. As a mother of two, it’s only natural for me to help and support Leucan. Every child should have access to quality care and the chance to lead a healthy life… That is the wish I make on behalf of the children and Leucan.

On May 26, 2015, our son Éliot, then aged 5, was diagnosed with leukemia. It was such a shock for us, but at least his prognosis for recovery was very good. We never lost hope in our fight. In Éliot’s case, there’s a 90% chance of recovery, but it’s quite a long treatment protocol: 3 years and 2 months.

Only a few years ago, many children still died from leukemia. Even now, sadly, too many children lose their fight and too many children have to cope with sequelae once the treatments are done.

It was crucial for us to become Giants for Leucan. It’s our way to give a meaning to our son’s condition. It’s also a way to contribute to research, so that children with a less favourable prognosis can hope for recovery and survivors can hope for a better quality of life. Our greatest wish is to see all affected children recover with as few sequelae as possible.

In our opinion, the real Giants are the children and families fighting cancer every day.

Mélanie Parent and Ghislain Brodeur
Parents of two wonderful boys, Émile and Éliot

One of the core values of Premium Ressources Humaines is our commitment to the community. That is why I am extremely proud to join the GIANTS for Leucan. I have the privilege to be the father of three healthy children—Benjamin, 15, Édouard, 12, and Victor, 9—who are thriving every day.

I want to contribute to the rise of hope and to supporting our heroes, and their families, who show exceptional courage. I strongly believe that every one of us can make a difference, regardless of our level of involvement. As an ambassador, I endeavour to raise awareness about Leucan and to promote participation in the Foundation.

Leucan has been a part of my life for more than 15 years. In October 2000, the youngest of our three sons, Antoine, then aged four, was diagnosed with a rhabdomyosarcoma in his inner ear.

That was the beginning of a year marked with treatments and a roller coaster of emotions. I remember that at the time of diagnosis at the cancer centre of the Sainte-Justine Hospital, Dr. Jocelyn Demers told us, “You are now members of Leucan’s family.” Still in denial, I thought that since I already had a family, I certainly didn’t need one more… but Dr. Demers was right.

The services and support provided by Leucan and the bonds we formed truly helped Antoine and our family to get through this turbulent year.

I’m lucky: my son recovered and grew to become a thriving young man with a mind full of projects and unbridled energy. He only suffers a few physical sequelae for which he requires some follow-up.

Another lucky moment in my life was meeting my husband Paul Hamelin, who was CEO of a Quebec software company, Giro Inc. Together, we created Fonds Hamelys to support the causes dear to us. It was only fitting to join the 40 Giants for Leucan campaign and to be part of this gigantic initiative to fund clinical research and resources for childhood cancer survivors.

We are taking this action with great humility, as it seems like such a small gesture compared to the momentous task undertaken by the devoted staff and valiant families of Leucan.

Since 1980, the Cole Foundation has been dedicating resources to supporting research and patient care in pediatric/young adult leukemia/lymphoma. We are honoured to be able to support a sister organization that has been doing the same things for the past 40 years.  Our emphasis is on pediatric/young adult leukemia/lymphoma research and Leucan’s emphasis is on assisting the recovery and the well-being of cancer stricken children by supporting the children and their families with distinctive and tailored services through every stage of the disease.  We complement each other perfectly and we will continue to work together because there is much more that needs to be done.

A generous donor has contributed to the campaign but wishes to remain anonymous.

We congratulate Leucan for this great idea to celebrate the Association’s 40th anniversary with the ambitious goal of finding 40 Giants willing to contribute a significant amount to improve the lives of children coping with cancer.

We believe that youth are the future of our society. Having been involved in the educational development of this young generation in the past; this time, we decided to count ourselves among the 40 Giants for Leucan because good health is essential.

We are fortunate to be the parents and grandparents of healthy children and grandchildren, but we understand and recognize the need for appropriate support to help affected families as they deal with treatments and recovery. When a family member is sick, the whole household is turned upside down, but Leucan is there to offer a little salve for their wounds.

We are proud to live in a country where organizations like Leucan exist.

Jean Leblond and Esther Pigeon

Funding healthcare initiatives that provide meaningful support to cancer patients and their families is one of the Rossy Family Foundation’s priorities. Cancer patients and their families not only require treatment, they also need support.

Our Foundation is honoured to support Leucan, an inspiring organization that truly makes a difference in the lives of children with cancer. I firmly believe that the real Giants are the brave children and their families who are fighting such an unforgiving disease, and I am proud to stand with them.

Larry Rossy and family

In the face of adversity, I’m impressed by the resilience of children and moved deeply by the courage of parents. I have the great privilege to have a healthy child, and it’s important to me to add my voice to the Giants and support Leucan’s mission. I have been in close contact with cancer patients over the years and came away stronger, galvanized, and inspired by their ability to draw on phenomenal resources within themselves. But as strong as they are, those individuals, children, and parents need the support of organizations like Leucan to come through this ordeal and regain as normal a life as possible to flourish. Together, let’s support Leucan and help children to shine like the brightest stars.

Any cause related to children is of particular concern to me because they are the next generation, our future. It’s especially unfair to see children and their families cope with cancer, which is why I want to get involved. Those little rays of sunshine deserve to have us stand by their side during their long battle, as do families whose world is turned upside down. They make such huge sacrifices; supporting them is the least we can do.

As a survivor of teen cancer who will soon turn 40, obviously, this campaign speaks to me on a profound level.

I commend the initiative to gear this campaign towards research, but also the sequelae faced by survivors. I was fortunate enough to suffer no sequelae, to continue my education, and to pursue a continuously rewarding career. Being aware that this is not the reality of all of those who travelled the same road, it’s a huge honour for me to contribute to this campaign. I fully realise how incredibly lucky I am to be in a position to be able to give back.

I’m someone who likes to put things into perspective, and this action is no exception. This monetary sacrifice is nothing compared to the courage of parents, grandparents, sisters, and brothers who are there to support their son or daughter, grandson or granddaughter, brother or sister through their treatments, but also in turning the corner once cancer is vanquished.

To paraphrase this classic line from author Antoine de Saint-Exupéry, “All grown-ups were once children… but only few of them remember it,” I would add that some of those grown-ups were once sick children… and they all remember it. This donation is a way for me to remember, to express my appreciation for Leucan, to thank all the Leucan’s representatives who have crossed my path, and to tell the 2,000 volunteers working with the Association that you truly make a difference.

The mission of the Jean-Guy Desjardins Family Foundation is to help and support organizations dedicated to families. Therefore, and without hesitation, we are proud to support Leucan by becoming one of the Association’s 40 Giants and to contribute to taking its mission further: improving the treatments and quality of life of cancer-stricken children and survivors. We congratulate all the employees, volunteers, members, and partners of Leucan for their exemplary commitment and dedication.

The Gosselin Family Foundation was founded by AXCAN PHARMA, a pharmaceutical company focussed on the discovery and commercialization of pharmaceutical products for the treatment of various gastrointestinal diseases, including inflammatory bowel diseases, primary biliary cirrhosis, and other liver diseases.

Over the years, the Foundation conducted several research projects, most notably on inflammatory bowel disease in children and cystic fibrosis. We are fully aware that children are not spared by cancer and other diseases, and that’s why it’s a pleasure for us to contribute to this cause.

The Gosselin Family

Leucan has been a part of the Quebec landscape for so many years that we may tend to take this incredible organization for granted. Social inequalities are the product of various circumstances, including genetic disorders like cancer. I feel that we must all do our part to avoid family disintegration caused by the loss of a child and to ensure our youth the best chance for a bright future, free of financial and medical sequelae.

When we heard that the son of a friend was diagnosed with cancer, it became even more important to us to associate our foundation, Fondation Nicole Bissonnette et Raymond Ouellette, to the 40 Giants for Leucan campaign. Through this commitment, we hope to support other cancer-stricken children and to help Leucan to advance research.

A generous donor has contributed to the campaign but wishes to remain anonymous.

A generous donor has contributed to the campaign but wishes to remain anonymous.

Lise and Richard Fortin Foundation is proud to join the 40 Giants for Leucan and to support this cause because we share a common goal: Making a difference!

Leucan offers concrete help to families of cancer-stricken children. This approach tailored to each family reflects the values of our Foundation.

Leucan provides vital financial assistance and psychological support to those families, and we are proud to contribute to it.

Lise, Richard and Éric Fortin

When a child is sick, the entire family and community are shaken. That’s why Leucan has been committed for more than 40 years to supporting children with cancer and their families by offering unique and caring support services.

As the father of two children, it’s with sincere pleasure that I accepted to be a Giant for Leucan. At National Bank, our goal is to have a positive impact on people’s lives and to help develop our communities. Youth and health are two areas where we like to get involved, because preparing the future of our society depends above all on the wellbeing of our little ones.

I would like to introduce my parents: Roland O. and Madeleine Cyrenne. My father (aged 88) is a retiree from Kruger where he climbed the executive ladder in various plants, up to the position of President and CEO. He received a number of distinctions throughout his career including Knight of the Order of Quebec. It is said that behind every great man is a great woman. My mother Madeleine (aged 90) played a key role in my father’s career. She held the fort at home, raising my two brothers, Michel and Robert, my sister France, and me. My father is always the first to point out that he could not have had such a successful career without her.

I was extremely proud of them when they agreed to join the Giants for Leucan campaign in memory of their grandson Sébastien who died too young at the age of 23 from lymphoma. Sébastien would have turned 40 in 2019.

Although figures have improved greatly since Leucan’s foundation, with the survival rate jumping from 15 to 83%, it is crucial to continue to invest in clinical research and to provide support to people who recovered from childhood cancer and are now living with sequelae. Leucan’s 40 Giants campaign is right on the mark with a focus on those two objectives, and my parents are honoured to take part in it.

Martin Cyrenne, son of Roland O. Cyrenne and Madeleine Cyrenne

The Fondation Bergeron-Jetté decided to join Leucan to help children and families through the aftermath of a childhood cancer diagnosis. In this way, we hope to provide some relief during this trying time.

My daughter Mariana was 12 years old when she was diagnosed with a rare type of cancer. Leucan was there from day one, throughout her treatment, and continues to be here for us today even after Mariana passed away. Despite this heartbreaking ending, my family and I feel privileged to count on that support.

Supporting children, so that they can thrive in spite of cancer, and their families is crucial in the fight against cancer, as is funding research and the development of new therapies. That is why the Caisse de dépôt et placement du Québec is committing to support Leucan’s mission. It is an honour for me to join the ranks of the Giants.

I am the mother of three children who have the privilege to enjoy their lives to the fullest. I am also the sister of a woman with severe disabilities. I know firsthand the impact an illness or disability can have on the lives of a child and their family.

Nothing is more moving nor impressive than the strength of a child facing adversity with courage. This is what kindled my desire to support those children and their loved ones by joining Leucan’s Board of Trustees.

At TELUS, we have been committed to giving back to our communities for more than 20 years by fostering meaningful and sustainable social changes in the health and education sectors and thus contributing to make the world better. It is with great conviction that we are joining forces with the 40 Giants for Leucan.

“The most fatal and neglected ongoing illness afflicting our society is indifference.” -Abbot Pierre

A childhood cancer diagnosis is a very challenging ordeal—an injustice giving rise to feelings of anger and distress and turning the life of every single member of a family upside down.

It is a privilege for me and for everyone at Labelink to get involved in Leucan’s mission. Indeed, when faced with sick children, it is difficult, if not impossible, to keep my different roles—business leader, father, human being—separate.

It is together, with our shared determination and commitment, that we can support research efforts and be there for cancer-stricken children and their families.

My initial involvement with Leucan happened as part of the first group of Audacieuses—those ten women who agreed to take on the Leucan Shaved Head Challenge in support of cancer-stricken children and their families.

When I realized the tremendous impact of this symbolic gesture on people’s awareness and perceptions, I felt the need to give even more in the hopes to inspire the greatest number of donors. That is why the entire team of the company my father founded in 1971, of which I am now president, agreed to take things further, both to show our gratitude for our success but also because Leucan holds a special place in our hearts.

No child should have to fight for their life.

Taking part in the Audacieuses campaign showed me just how important a role Leucan plays in the lives of children and families affected by childhood cancer. The outpouring of love and gratitude I received after I announced my decision to take on the Challenge urged me to get further involved. I was deeply moved by all the testimonials I heard, and it made me realize that we are all affected by cancer, directly or indirectly. That is why I want to contribute to promoting the help and support Leucan provides to all those families.

The partnership between Leucan Saguenay-Lac-Saint-Jean and Niobec began in 2012 but took on a greater significance when two of our employees had a child diagnosed with cancer.

This is a cause that affects all of us, whether it be as colleagues, friends, or, more directly, as parents or grandparents. We believe that there is no project as noble and rallying than supporting a philanthropic cause assisting children and their families.

As we draw close to the 10th anniversary of our partnership with Leucan, it was only natural to bring it to the next level by joining the 40 Giants campaign.

A generous donor has contributed to the campaign but wishes to remain anonymous.

My wife Laura and I are fortunate and honoured to join the 40 Giants for Leucan program and contribute to Leucan’s incredible work.

The support that a child and their family receive during their cancer treatment can be critical in their path to recovery. As parents of two young children, Noah and Julia Eva, we wish for every child to have the best opportunities to grow up healthy. So being part of this cause means a lot to us.

Leucan’s work, assisting families during and after their treatment, providing support in areas that go beyond those traditionally looked at has, without a doubt, reshaped the fight against childhood cancer in Quebec, and we hope it will continue doing so.

Sergio Lifraine decided to become a Giant, because he realizes how important health is, especially for children.

“There is nothing sadder than a sick child. The courage and determination of children affected by illness and the resilience of their families in the face of their ordeal deserve our support.

For these reasons, I have decided to contribute to the Giants’ campaign, both to help with research and to support Leucan in its mission to help children and their families. Thank you Leucan!”

Leucan came into my life in the early 90’s, when my stepbrother Martin, who was 16 years old at the time, was diagnosed with a very rare and serious blood disease. Today, after countless hospital appointments, several treatments including a successful bone marrow transplant, he is in good health.

Almost 30 years later, I can hardly imagine the moments of panic and despair that our family had to go through, particularly my parents. When illness strikes, the life of the whole family is turned upside down.

I remember very vividly how Leucan’s support impacted our family, because I benefited from it. I was allowed to participate to the Leucan-CSN summer camp with Martin. At camp, children enjoyed themselves, but more importantly, parents benefited from a so very well-deserved break! I keep wonderful happy memories of the camp, I’ve rarely been into an environment so full of solidarity and kindness in my life.

That is why, today, I chose to give back to Leucan by becoming a Giant. That way I can contribute to this collective effort of promoting the recovery and the well-being of cancer stricken children and their family.

At the Sandra and Alain Bouchard Foundation, we are proud to be part of the 40 Giants for Leucan and to participate particularly in funding clinical research to fight pediatric cancer and improve treatments.

They will be able to receive the best treatments and survive in good health.

Their parents will be able to see them grow and flourish and we will all have the privilege of being able to count on them to build the future.

At Dessercom, everything we do is geared towards our mission: to contribute to the improvement of health care and the well-being of communities. We are deeply committed to supporting organizations that, like us, share these ambitions. Leucan is certainly one of them!

Children are nothing less than our future. We must therefore do everything possible to improve treatment, support, and, hopefully, the steady increase in recovery. Leucan makes a huge difference in our society and this is why we are very proud to financially support clinical research in the fight against childhood cancer.

On behalf of all our employees and myself, thank you from the bottom of my heart for what you do. It is an honor for Dessercom to contribute.

As the father of four children, I feel personally concerned about the health of children. One of my own children had serious health problems when he was younger, so I understand what young patients and their families are going through. That’s why this year I’m committing to be one of the 40 Giants for Leucan, to support research and help cancer survivors.

At iA Financial Group, we exist to make our clients feel confident and secure about the future. We believe that this purpose should extend to our community as well. Leucan gives confidence and hope for the future to young people who are going through difficult times. I would like to thank all of Leucan’s volunteers and employees for their tireless work, and all the donors for their generosity!

It is a great privilege for me to contribute even more concretely to Leucan’s mission by becoming one of the 40 Giants.

As an entrepreneur, I feel it is important to give back to the community. I am convinced that each of us can make a real difference in the lives of those families who are facing the disease.

Every Leucan child I have had the opportunity to meet has given me so much. The resilience and courage of these families impresses me to no end. They have incredible resources and strength.

Together, we can bring hope into the lives of these heroes, big and small. So that each of them can simply have a beautiful and long life.

Joining the 40 Giants for Leucan was a must for the Elina & Giuseppe Borsellino Family Foundation.  Without any hesitation, we agreed to contribute to this essential program in order to allow Leucan to pursue its mission; to smooth the winding road during and after the fight of children with cancer, as well as their families, through a multitude of adapted accompaniment and wellness services at each stage of the disease.