September 25, 2025
Photo caption: Denis Martineau and Véronique Ranger, respectively Director, Financial Development and Assistant General Manager of the Quebec Cancer Foundation, along with Simon Déry and Yancy Leblanc, respectively General Manager and Communications, Associative Affairs Manager and Secretary General at Caisse Desjardins du Quartier-Latin in Montréal, and also with Malick Baldé, Senior Advisor, Fundraising Activities and Campaigns at the Quebec Cancer Foundation, unveiled the final outcome of the 8th edition of La marche du Grand défoulement.
A historic first: over half a million dollars raised
The Quebec Cancer Foundation proudly celebrates the resounding success of this 8th edition of La marche du Grand défoulement, which raised the never-before-seen amount of over $525,000. This annual event has, since 2018, raised over $2.5 million to help Quebecers impacted by cancer.
Held between September 6th and 21st in six regions of Quebec — Montreal, Rouyn-Noranda, Trois-Rivières, Gatineau, Granby and Quebec City — the province-wide event brought together over 1,500 participants, all of them united by the same goal, i.e., to bring comfort, support, and hope to everyone who finds themselves having to deal with a cancer diagnosis.
Marc-Antoine Dequoy, the provincial ambassador of the 8th edition and a pro football player for the Montreal Alouettes, has a first-hand understanding of the reality of cancer, having lost his mother to the disease in 2022.
“Cancer, like football, calls for being courageous and having a solid team behind you. During La marche, I witnessed this incredible collective strength. It’s far from just an event; it’s a heartfelt movement, a true surge of life that reminds everyone affected that they are not alone.”
Participating in La marche du Grand défoulement is literally an act of solidarity and comfort for the 67,500 Quebecers who are diagnosed with cancer each and every year. The Quebec Cancer Foundation reaches out to help them find balance, support their well-being, and accompany them on a daily basis. “I’m truly proud to be a part of a movement that is essential to the well-being of Quebecers living with cancer and their loved ones,” stated Marc-Antoine.
Thanks to a committed community
“The large number of participants who supported the event is a wonderful demonstration of solidarity. My heartfelt thanks to all the volunteers, participants, donors, and partners, and most notably our precious partners: Desjardins, our presenting partner, and our collaborating partner, Larivière et Massicotte, Pharmaciennes Inc. – Pharmacie d’expertise. Because of you, we are able to lighten the load that comes with dealing with cancer for thousands of Quebecers and their loved ones,” noted Marco Decelles, General Manager, Quebec Cancer Foundation.
We also wish to thank our ambassador, Marc-Antoine Dequoy, and the Montreal Alouettes for giving us their wholehearted support.
Video created by Momentumm
A cause more relevant than ever before
“Never forget that every day, 184 people in Quebec are diagnosed with cancer, and 62 people die of the disease. These statistics are not only numbers, but represent families, stories, and people who need our help. Because of the funds raised during La marche, the Foundation can continue to offer yet more compassionate and tailored services that are designed to make a daily difference in people’s lives,” noted Véronique Ranger, Assistant General Manager, Quebec Cancer Foundation.
For media inquiries :
Jennifer-Kim Noël
Director, Communications and Public Relations
Quebec Cancer Foundation
Email : [email protected]