Donor's stories
Alain Gravel
Hôpital Maisonneuve-Rosemont's Patient and monthly donor
Alain Gravel recently joined HMR’s Family Cell, the monthly giving program of the HMR Foundation. He shares with us how it came to be.
Who are you?
Alain Gravel: My name is Alain Gravel, like the journalist at Radio-Canada. Like my renowned namesake, I seek justice and try to do good around me to the best of my ability.
What drives you to give?
A. G.: My mother passed away recently. Despite her modest income, she left her three children a nest egg that has the potential to be put to good use where it is needed.
It was with this in mind that I thought about donating to a hospital foundation. Since my mother received good end-of-life care in a hospital setting, it would be a modest way to say thank you to all those who cared for her.
During the estate settlement, my health forced me to retire. I had a heart attack six years ago and, despite this warning, I persisted in an increasingly stressful job. I began to suffer from blood pressure problems, sleep apnea, burn out, a complex tear of an internal meniscus, and, the icing on the cake, an inguinal hernia.
My wife, Marie, was also beset by significant health problems. Without going into details, let's just say that Marie and I were, regular patients of the Maisonneuve-Rosemont Hospital (MRH).
Why did you choose the HMR Foundation?
A. G.: I've been giving to Centraide, the Université de Montréal and Doctors Without Borders for several years. It's my way of changing the world for the better because science, research and medicine are fields that I've always been passionate about and that are worthy of support.
It was in December 2019 that I put my words into action with my first annual donation.
Why did you opt for a monthly donation?
A. G.: I now subscribe to the monthly bank withdrawal payment method for its practical advantages. In doing so, I contribute to the scientific research projects of a hospital that is directly involved in my care. In all sincerity, I am convinced that this gesture, no matter how small, benefits my community by helping the HMR have the resources it needs to maintain excellence in care, research and teaching.
Even as I write these words, a certain serenity takes hold of me because my Mom would be happy with the commitment I am making to the Foundation. In the end, it is her generosity that I want to perpetuate as well as her memory.
Alain Gravel,
Monthly Donor
Former HMR patient
By joining HMR’s Family Cell now, your monthly donations will be matched until the end of the year, thanks to a generous friend of the HMR Foundation.
For any questions, contact Danielle Poirier at 514 252-3435.