The heroes and heroines of the 26th edition of the Tour CIBC Charles-Bruneau
These children are the heart of Tour CIBC Charles-Bruneau. The motivation behind every pedal stroke, every donation. Discover the story and endearing personalities of Lyanna, Mathyas, Arianne, Laurent, Étienne and Zoé, each of whom is the star of a race.
Lyanna, age 7
Young Lyanna was diagnosed with a Wilms tumor in August 2019, following recurring back pain. She did not experience entering elementary school like other children her age, as she had to have her kidney removed and begin chemotherapy and radiation treatments.
Lyanna is known at the Charles-Bruneau Pavilion of the CHU Sainte-Justine as a little ball of energy that moves a lot of air and is very determined. Her nickname? The Little Tornado!
After a few months of intensive treatment, Lyanna has just celebrated two full years of remission. She went through this ordeal like a champion, with a lot of courage and with the precious support of her friends at the hospital.
Mathyas, age 12
Mathyas, nicknamed Mat, is a sweet and caring young boy who is currently undergoing treatment to fight the leukemia he has. Every 2 or 3 weeks, he goes to the CHUL in Quebec City to receive his treatments.
Mathyas loves field hockey and one of his favorite memories is when he went to see the Montreal Canadiens with Leucan. When he is healed, Mathyas wants to return to Disney World.
A word from Mathyas: Thank you to everyone for allowing my family to benefit from your support. This ordeal that makes us live hard moments is less difficult because we are supported and accompanied by beautiful teams. Research is the most beautiful thing, because my type of leukemia had a cure rate of 30% 20 years ago and today it is over 80%.
Arianne, 18 years old
The disease entered Arianne’s life at the dawn of her 16th birthday, in April 2020. Since she was very young, she had been playing competitive sports and was in good health. In the winter of 2020, she began to experience severe knee pain, fatigue and recurring headaches. Arianne and her family’s life was turned upside down when they learned that she had acute lymphoblastic leukemia.
On May 24, Arianne completed her treatments. She only returned to the hospital every 6 weeks for her various follow-up tests. Finally, Arianne can resume her normal life.
A word from Arianne: A huge thank you to all the participants! You will never know how much of a difference you are making by raising money for sick children!
Laurent, 9 years old
Laurent is 9 years old and has a brain tumor called craniopharyngioma. Since it cannot be removed, he has to take ineffective medication every week. The most recent tests confirmed good news: Laurent’s health is stable and the tumor has not progressed.
The young boy has many passions and loves to learn new things with his elephantine memory. He is fascinated by encyclopedias and documentaries, and would love to become a specialist in exotic animals. He dreams of going to Africa to see the giraffes.
A word from Laurent: I would like to say a big thank you for cycling for us. I think you are cool to do that and especially nice.
Étienne, 16 years old
Having been treated for cancer in 2015, Étienne unfortunately learned of its recurrence last September. Following a transplant and multiple treatments at CHUS, the young boy is now in remission.
Étienne is a very active young man. In his spare time, he likes to ride his bike and snowboard. It is not for nothing that his favorite subject at school is physical education!
A word from Etienne: Thank you for your involvement for children with cancer.
Zoé, age 6
In remission from acute lymphoblastic leukemia diagnosed in August 2019, Zoé will soon finish kindergarten. Given her tendency to crack jokes and her ease in conversing with everyone, there is no doubt that she has made plenty of friends!
Zoé, nicknamed Zozo, loves to dance, draw and read. When she grows up, she wants to become a star and with her big heart, help people and animals.
A note from Zoe and her family: Thank you for making a difference in the lives of families who are going through this very difficult time. Please know that you are saving lives! The proof is that Zoé is still with us thanks to your efforts to raise donations. We are so lucky to have you!
