$745,000 raised in memory of their son
10 June 2016
Twenty-one years ago, Camille Thibodeau and Pierre Dubois created Les amis de Jean-François, in memory of their son who died from leukemia. Since then, the couple has raised close to $745,000 to purchase equipment and supplies that make life easier for the tiny patients in the Pediatric and Neonatology units at Hôpital Maisonneuve-Rosemont (HMR).
On Wednesday, on June 1st, the HMR Foundation paid tribute to their invaluable contribution. At a recognition cocktail, guests had the opportunity to tour one of the achievements made possible by the precious support from Les amis de Jean-François: the newly expanded pediatric day medicine unit. The result of a financial partnership between Les amis de Jean-François ($91,363) and the Hôpital Maisonneuve-Rosemont Foundation ($50,000). Thanks to generous donations the new and improved unit will allow for better management and access to services for pediatric patients in the east end of Montréal.
Over the years, more than 1,100 people have donated to Les amis de Jean-François. Their commitment to children’s health has morphed into a massive wave of generosity that keeps Jean-François’s memory alive.
“Our son, Jean-François, was diagnosed with leukemia on July 22, 1991, when he was three years old. Despite three years of treatment, chemotherapy, and radiation, he passed away on May 27, 1994. From that moment on, we pledged to do everything in our power to make life easier for sick kids. From the bottom of our hearts, we want to thank our friends and family members who have so generously supported us for over 20 years,” stated Camille and Pierre.
Dr. Louis-Philippe Thibodeau, founding member of the Pediatrics Department and Jean‑François’s grandfather, was also honoured at the event.
