Meet the young heroes and heroines of the 24th edition of 24h Tremblant!
The 24h Tremblant’s sponsored children are at the heart of this cause, embodying its core values. As ambassadors, they demonstrate the importance and impact of a charity event such as this. For the 2024 edition, we are honoured to present Billie, Théophile, Lovania and Olivia, children of the Charles-Bruneau Foundation, chosen to represent this sporting event.
Billie
While on vacation abroad, little Billie’s life was turned upside down when she suddenly lost her sight due to cancer affecting her optic nerves. After initial emergency treatment abroad, Billie and her family were repatriated. Since then, she has received weekly chemotherapy treatments and over twenty radiotherapy sessions at CHU Sainte-Justine’s Centre de cancérologie Charles-Bruneau.
Despite her young age, Billie is determined, full of joy and continues to practice her passions, such as ballet. If all goes well, she could be in remission by December 2024, coinciding with the 24h Tremblant, when she’ll surely be saying, “Youpiii!”
Théophile
In November 2023, after a soccer match, Théophile felt unwell, which led to a diagnosis of small-cell desmoplastic tumor the next day. Since then, he has been undergoing chemotherapy at the Charles-Bruneau Pediatric Hemato-Oncology Unit at the CHU de Québec-Université Laval. As a result of the treatments, he has had to put aside his favorite activities, such as soccer and going to school.
Despite the initial shock and sense of injustice, Théophile remains optimistic and finds comfort in his loved ones, cooking and planning for the future. Refusing to let his illness define him, Théophile’s determination is inspiring as he pursues a number of dreams, including becoming a professional footballer and a career in politics.
Lovania
In November 2021, Lovania was diagnosed with T-cell lymphoblastic lymphoma. During her treatment, she was fortunate enough to be followed close to home, at the Unité d’oncologie pédiatrique Charles-Bruneau at CIUSSS de l’Estrie.
In 2022, she was able to start kindergarten with the doctors’ permission. On April 11, 2024, she completed chemotherapy and celebrated by ringing the end-of-treatment bell. Lovania, who loves animals and dreams of becoming an astronaut, is a young girl bursting with energy who always has a smile on her face.
Olivia
In autumn 2021, the discovery of a lump in Olivia’s groin led to a series of tests that revealed, just before Christmas, non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma. On December 23, Olivia began treatment at the Centre d’hématologie-oncologie Charles-Bruneau of the Montreal Children’s Hospital. Her parents say she has become an example of resilience, finding her own ways to cope with the challenges of the disease. After six months of treatment, Olivia has completed chemotherapy and is enjoying her life to the full, surrounded by her family and her dog Willy. Her parents, Pascale and Pierre, express deep gratitude for every moment, having relearned to savor life with their daughters thanks to Olivia’s inspiring strength.
It’s for children like Billie, Théophile, Lovania and Olivia that the 24h Tremblant participants will be giving their all from December 13 to 15. Together, for a cancer-free childhood!
