MEET THE HEROES AND HEROINES OF THE 27TH EDITION OF THE TOUR CIBC CHARLES-BRUNEAU
It’s for young people like Malik, Alyah, Mia, Olivia, Victoria and Charles that more than 800 cyclists will be pedaling their bikes from July 1 to 7. Discover the story of our sparkling and endearing Heroes, the heart of the Tour CIBC Charles-Bruneau.
Malik, 5 years old
You’re sure to be charmed by handsome Malik, as he’ll be with us, along with his big brother Éloïc and his parents, throughout the Tour!
On February 28, 2022, at the age of 4, Malik was diagnosed with B-type acute lymphoblastic leukemia. He then embarked on a two-year treatment plan close to home, at the Centre mère-enfant Soleil of the CHU de Québec-Université Laval. He misses his friends when he has to miss daycare, and has had to spend a lot of time at home in recent months. Even in the toughest times, Malik remains a smiling, mischievous and energetic little boy. He loves dinosaurs and stingrays, and his favorite superhero is the Hulk!
A word from Malik: Thank you for what you do. Research has helped me a lot to treat myself better and to know how to do it. You are making a big difference in the lives of patients and their families.
Alyah, 8 years old
After months of chemotherapy for Ewing’s sarcoma in her right arm, Alyah had to undergo risky surgery to remove a tumor.
Today, Alyah is 8 years old and in remission. Among the things that characterize her, we can certainly name her sense of humor, her ability to assert herself and her always positive attitude. She loves to laugh, stick together and have fun! She also has a cat, Gilbert, who is super cute.
A word from Alyah: Thank you so much for getting involved to help heal children.
Mia, 10 years old
In 2018, Mia and her family were diagnosed with Hogkin’s lymphoma, but thanks to advances in research and a good response to treatment at the Montreal Children’s Hospital, she is now in remission.
Those close to her say that Mia is a very sensitive and good listener. She loves going on adventures with her parents and sister Eva, whether it’s to the cottage or for a bike ride. Overflowing with energy and very active, she swims, runs and is passionate about gymnastics: she’d even like to become a gymnastics teacher when she grows up. In her quieter moments, she loves to use her creativity and make her most beautiful drawings and crafts.
Olivia, 6 years old
In December 2021, at the age of 4, Olivia was diagnosed with non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma. She had to undergo frequent follow-ups at the Montreal Children’s Hospital, and was forced to put many of the activities she loved on hold. Her sister Frédérique and her parents helped her through it all, and she always remained positive. We’re told that she even encouraged her parents in difficult times.
The good news is that this dynamic and engaging young lady is now in remission, and you’ll have the chance to meet her on the Tour!
Victoria, 14 years old
In May 2019, at the age of 10, Victoria was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia. At that time, she had to have weekly follow-ups at the hospital: chemotherapy, samples, punctures, transfusions. It was a difficult period, but Victoria has been in remission since the summer of 2021.
A lover of nature and literature, curious and passionate, Victoria see life with an artist’s eye. Cooking, drawing and dancing have accompanied her through the ups and downs of her treatment adventure, and remain passions to this day. Her cats Lego and Matcha are the kings of her universe. For the past year, singing and playing the piano have colored her daily life.
Charles, 10 years old
Because of the leukemia he has been living with since November 2021, Charles visits the Fleurimont Hospital at the Centre hospitalier universitaire de Sherbrooke at least once a month for treatment. Despite his ordeal, he retains his infectious good humor and playful spirit.
Nicknamed Charlot, this 10-year-old is meticulous and loves math. His friends and family know him as a budding scientist! Board games, field hockey and outings with his family occupy his spare time. The most recent activity that delighted him: discovering the sugar shack. It was so good, so warm and so much fun! Finally having a dog to accompany him on his great adventures is one of his greatest wishes.
You’ve just met six very endearing children! It’s for kids like them that the Charles-Bruneau Foundation’s mission is to offer a healthy future to the 2,000 children with cancer across Quebec.
