The 24h Tremblant and the Charles-Bruneau Foundation: 20 years of collaboration on behalf of children
On December 9, 10 and 11, the 24h Tremblant and the Charles-Bruneau Foundation will celebrate their 20th anniversary of collaboration. Twenty years of thinking big and realizing common dreams for a childhood without cancer. There’s plenty to celebrate!
From yesterday to today
We have to admit that we are a long way from that first edition when our team – much smaller than today! – spent part of the night rolling pennies in preparation for the big announcement of the final amount the next morning. Twenty years later, more than $19,000,000 has been donated by the 24h Tremblant to the Charles-Bruneau Foundation in the fight against pediatric cancers.
It’s hard to sum up the extent of the 24h Tremblant’s contribution to the Foundation’s achievements in a few words. Since 2002, the organization’s substantial and constant support has contributed to the financing of numerous research projects in pediatric hematology-oncology, as well as to the discovery of innovative treatments. The inauguration of the new Charles-Bruneau Units was also greatly facilitated by the contribution of 24h Tremblant; for the past few years, in addition to Montreal, the Eastern Townships and Capitale-Nationale regions have had their own facilities to receive and treat young cancer patients.
When Sherbrooke invites itself to Tremblant
To mark this 20th anniversary in style and to thank the greater 24h Tremblant community at our side, a team made up of members of the nursing staff of the Charles-Bruneau Pediatric Oncology Unit at the CIUSSS de l’Estrie-CHUS will be on hand this year. A first since the beginning of the event!
Geneviève Lagueux, department head of the chemotherapy center and the hemato-oncology outpatient clinics, explains how she and her colleagues got involved. “Teamwork is a value we hold dear, regardless of our job title. We saw in the 24h Tremblant an opportunity to develop our complicity and strengthen our bonds outside of work. It is also and above all a cause that is close to our hearts, for which we work every day.
Members of the CHUS’ teamWhen asked if she believes that the opening of a Charles-Bruneau Unit in the Eastern Townships has had a positive impact on her community, she immediately mentions the advantage of proximity. “Families no longer have to travel to the greater Montreal or Quebec City area to receive care. They can return home, which avoids separating families during treatment.
Florence Breton
Florence Breton, a young woman cured of cancer and child hero of the 24h Tremblant, agrees. “Sincerely, I consider myself lucky to have been treated in my region, at the Unité Charles-Bruneau in Sherbrooke. Already, fighting a disease is a challenge, so I can’t imagine having to live it far from home. Even today, each time I visit, I can testify to the kindness per square foot that is found there. Like little bees, all the members of the care team are dedicated to the well-being of their patients. I will be forever grateful for all the love and care I received. Now it’s my turn to give back in my own way.”
Anyone who knows Florence knows she’s already doing that, and doing it more than her turn.
Here’s to 20 more great years
The entire team of the Charles-Bruneau Foundation would like to warmly thank the 24h Tremblant organization for its exceptional contribution to the fight against pediatric cancer.
We can only hope that the last twenty years will be a reflection of the twenty to come!
