I’m sure that everyone will concede that the mere thought of cancer is scary.
Yet before it became my reality, I wasn’t much concerned by cancer at all. I have an inkling that everyone prefers to think that with a bit of luck, they won’t ever need to give cancer a second thought… but the reality is that no one is “safe” from cancer. No one.
In 2022, after having undergone breast augmentation surgery, I noticed a strange lump in my right breast. My family doctor, oddly enough, had told me I was too young to have cancer and subsequently refused to recommend that I undergo a preventive mammography before the surgical procedure.
The discovery of my lump led to a series of exhaustive exams, followed by weeks of waiting (and the associated stress) and finally, to the dreaded diagnosis: stage 3 breast cancer. I was barely 35 years old at the time, with no family history in this regard, nor any risk factors. Nothing that could explain why the disease had chosen me. My situation felt monumentally unfair.
Yet life goes on, and I had to find a way to accept what I considered an agonizing situation. The hospital’s Espace partenaires en cancérologie initiative was of great help, and allowed me to learn more about the Quebec Cancer Foundation and its many services, services made possible because of the support of people just like you. The services I benefited from helped me to take a breather.
To make a donation by phone or for any questions, contact us:
Donor Services
1-877-336-4443
[email protected]
Organization’s registration number: 107391963 RR 0001
I was immediately drawn to the art therapy workshops led by Lucie Sarrazin and available in person or remotely. The sessions, which allowed us to give free rein to our creativity as well as our emotions, also brought a great deal of comfort. Being able to exchange with other participants, all of them young adults with cancer, much like me, was liberating.
Perhaps, as horrible as it may sound, one needs to have had cancer to understand the good that comes from spending time with people who are going through pretty much the same ordeal as you are. Because while my spouse, my children and the other people I’m close to showed compassion and were there for me – and don’t get me wrong, I appreciate each and every one of them – the only time I was able to speak freely and share my feelings was with the community I met thanks to the Foundation. A community that, unlike my loved ones, I wasn’t afraid of wounding with my words.
This support, both staunch and irreplaceable, exists because of the generosity of people like you. In my case, it helped me come to terms with the fact that having cancer equated to facing hardships over which I had literally no control. I understood that I needed to put my faith in the hands of the medical personnel caring for me and in the treatments proposed. I also had to let those with the mission of helping me – like the Foundation – do so.
Hence, in addition to art therapy, I also decided to benefit from other services offered by the Foundation, namely legal assistance, sexology services and massage therapy. Funded by a passionate community, these services are truly suited to the reality of persons with cancer. The oncology professionals I met understood my struggles and the needs associated with the disease itself and the treatments. They made me feel at ease, welcoming me without judging. Their approach was priceless.
Bolstered by the confidence Lucie and the Foundation had in me, I began wanting to give back by helping other people who were coping with cancer. So, while I was still undergoing treatments, I led two embroidery workshops. Ultimately, I made it through my treatments thanks to the presence of an entire community, which made sure I never once felt alone. My remission, I believe, was helped by the wonderful people I met thanks to the Foundation and to all of the latter’s generous donors.
To make a donation by phone or for any questions, contact us:
Donor Services
1-877-336-4443
[email protected]
No one can prevent cancer from happening. But we can help soften the blow, by creating a community that provides priceless comfort and support. Thank you for supporting the Foundation.
Marie-Pier P.
A recipient of Quebec Cancer Foundation services
Our newsletter lets you know how we are taking action to better support you in the face of cancer.
See our Data and Privacy Policy.
The head office:
2075 de Champlain Street, Montreal, Quebec H2L 2T1
Phone: 514-527-2194
No charge: 1-877-336-4443
Fax machine: 514-527-1943
E-mail: [email protected]
© QCF — 2024
Web site by Parkour3.com
Help us spread even more hope the holidays. Make a donation that will be worth 2 X more* and change the lives of every patient and their family.
*Donations are doubled until December 31.
Buy your ticket for the Voyage ta vie prize draw and get
1 in 250 chance of winning
one of our 4 travel gift certificates
