Since
2008, the Fondation Cité de la Santé has organized an annual cycling event
called 300 km pour la VIE for the
Regional Cancerology Program in Laval. Each year, 150 cyclists get on their
bikes and proudly pedal their way through the 300 km back and forth route
between Laval and Trois-Rivières, all to raise funds for cancer patients and
their families. Each of the 150 cyclists represent a story of perseverance and
courage.
Here, we present the stories of Dr. Olivier Haeck, microbiologist/infectious
disease specialist at
Hôpital de la Cité-de-la-Santé and his wife, Dr. Annie Desruisseaux, general
practitioner at Centre médical Laval.
How it Began
In
September 2017, Dr. Haeck and Dr. Desruisseaux were participating for their 10th
and 5th time respectively. It was a particularly meaningful event
for them, not just because they made it through the grueling sporting
challenge, but because they were celebrating their wedding anniversary as well.
The couple nostalgically recalls the first few years of the event, which began
as a simple rally organized and led by the powerful energy of Lynda Bouchard, a
cancer survivor and Executive Attaché of the CMDP (Conseil des médecins,
dentistes et pharmaciens) of the CISSS de Laval.
At
the time, Dr. Haeck had just begun at Hôpital de la Cité-de-la-Santé and was
coming to work on his bike almost everyday. Inspired by Lynda’s initiative and
motivation, he agreed to take on the challenge in 2008 on his hybrid bike,
which he used to participate in the 300 km events until 2013!
As
for Dr. Desruisseaux, she was ignited by the energy of the event. “It’s such an
emotional moment when the cyclists cross the finish line! After helping Olivier
complete the challenge, I wanted to take part as well! Besides, as doctors, we
know so many people affected by cancer. It makes you want to do something about
it!” she says. “We weren’t the most experienced cyclists, but the event gave us
a reason to train and an excuse to spend time together. It brought us closer!”
A VIP Challenge
When
asked why they participate in the event, the answer is unanimous; for the
cause! The doctors explain that though they enjoy cycling, they are doing it
for Lynda and all the patients affected by cancer; it’s what motivates them.
According to them, the event is well organized, and everyone is encouraged to
ride at their own pace. It’s a personal challenge, not a contest.
“It’s
a challenge that everyone can do,” says Dr. Haeck. “It’s perfect for those that
are hesitant but would like to get back into shape for a good cause. The fact
that we depart from the Centre intégré de cancérologie and come back on the
Sunday makes us feel closer to the patients and their families. When we’re
struggling on the route, we think of them, and suddenly, we get our energy
back!”
An Event that
Makes a Big Difference
In
just 10 years, the 300 km pour la VIE has
raised more than 1.5 million dollars for the Regional Cancerology Program. The
funds have been used to acquire a laparoscopic ultrasound probe for kidney
cancers, an echoendoscope for the detection of colon-rectal cancers and has
financed several projects supporting patients’ well-being.
Dr.
Haeck and Dr. Desruisseaux will be at the start line on Sept. 8th.
Will you?
300kmpourlavie.com
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