Two Testimonials From the Charles-Bruneau Cup to (Re)Discover
Because they left such a deep impression on everyone at the closing ceremony for the Charles-Bruneau Cup held on September 18, 2021, we felt it was important to share the first-hand accounts offered by Benjamin, who is currently receiving treatment for leukemia, and his mother, Isabelle. At the end of a highly emotional day, here’s what they had to say to the 300 or so participants, but also to all those who are involved with the Fondation Charles-Bruneau, from close or from afar.
Photo: Lino Cipresso
Isabelle Leboeuf, mother of Benjamin
“Thank you from the bottom of our hearts for your participation. You can make a difference to the Fondation Charles-Bruneau, and we want to emphasize that.
The news that Benjamin was diagnosed with leukemia broke on a routine Wednesday night, and it hit us like a 300-hundred-kilometer-an-hour train. Our little athlete, the same child who was playing hockey eight times week, on top of being in the school sports program and suiting up for the city team. We thought he was just tired or overextended, but what we learned was that he had cancer and would have to undergo treatment for three-and-a-half years.
We jumped aboard the train for an epic voyage to an unknown destination … We first heard the news at 8 p.m., and by midnight Benjamin was already undergoing his first chemotherapy treatment. We quickly understood that time was of the essence, but more importantly that a solid medical team was taking care of our son.
Today, some 300 of you came out to take part in the first Charles-Bruneau Cup. In the meantime, close to 300 Quebec children are diagnosed with cancer or suffer a recurrence each year in Quebec. But thanks to research, outcomes, nowadays, are excellent… but there are no perfect marks! Children in Quebec receive excellent care, but they can also live with multiple side-effects and after-effects. The Fondation Charles-Bruneau helps ensure that medical expertise that’s vital to the survival of our children is made available, but it also plays a key role in giving these children a better quality of life while they are receiving treatment.
Our Benjamin’s path was strewn with obstacles. From Day 1, we looked upon his care as if it was a hockey game, complete with several periods. Benjamin was quick to understand that this wasn’t just going to be a tournament, but rather an entire season, including the playoffs, and several subsequent years.
From the time Benjamin was first diagnosed in October 2018, he went through 10 highly intense months. He has since entered the maintenance phase, with daily rounds of chemotherapy, which can provoke immune system variations and impromptu visits to the hospital. Last year, we paid 47 visits to the hospital rather than 12!
Benjamin is our hero of the day, but he’s also a 13-year-old boy. He’d rather see or speak to his friends than get some rest, and he’d rather play hockey than go to the hospital… That said, Benjamin is resilient, and he understands that he requires care so that one day, we can say that he is cured.
Today, by participating in such large numbers, you are making a difference. By raising funds and soliciting the people you know for a donation, you’re doing your part to keep good doctors and specialists in Quebec, but more importantly, you’re funding research projects that will make the difference for our children.
Every little gesture counts, because when you put them all together the impact is HUGE! Thank you for your encouragement and enthusiasm. We’ve come here today to soak up all the energy we can before we tackle the final sprint over the next six months. Three and a half years of treatment is a long time, and it’s discouraging; but there’s always hope. We want to contribute to a rise in positive outcomes.
Together, let’s aim for a childhood without cancer!”
Photo: Lino Cipresso
Benjamin, age 13
“Before my cancer, I LOVED playing hockey. Now, I still play, but from the sidelines! But I’m really hopeful that I’ll be able to return to ice as soon as possible.
I truly enjoy being the hero of the day… But what I want, more than anything, is for the Charles-Bruneau Cup to come back every year. Or at least until I can form my own team and play like you have!
Research is the reason I’m here today. Thank you for your donations. Today, you’ve a raised a significant sum.
Speak to your friends about it, and continue to give generously. People need to know about the Fondation Charles-Bruneau all year long … Because cancer doesn’t choose a specific day on the calendar…
There are many children, like me, who dream of being cured. Every gesture counts!
Thank you.”
