October 6, 2026
Photo caption: Simon Déry, General Manager of Caisse Desjardins du Quartier-Latin de Montréal; Véronique Ranger, Deputy Executive Director of the Quebec Cancer Foundation; Malick Baldé, Director of Fundraising at the Quebec Cancer Foundation; and Emy Garand, Communications and Community Engagement Advisor, unveiling the final amount raised by the 9th edition of La marche du Grand défoulement.
The half-million mark well surpassed for a second consecutive year
Thanks to this 9th edition of La marche du Grand défoulement, Quebecers mobilized across the province helped raise $630,000 to support people affected by cancer. That brings the total to more than $3 million raised since 2018 for the cause.
The walks were held from September 13 to 27 in eight cities: Montréal, Rouyn-Noranda, Trois-Rivières, Gatineau, Granby, Joliette, Sherbrooke, and Québec City. Nearly 2,000 participants came from across the province for a shared goal: to show their support and compassion for everyone going through the ordeal of cancer. A simple gesture, but one that makes a real difference. 
As he did last year, Marc-Antoine Dequoy — professional player with the Canadian flag football team and former professional player with the Montréal Alouettes — accepted the role of ambassador for La marche for a second year, with the goal of informing, raising awareness, and mobilizing the public around the cause. Each year, nearly 70,000 Quebecers receive a cancer diagnosis. To continue offering quality lodging centres, psychological, legal, and financial support, and a range of complementary therapies, La marche is one of the major fundraising events that allows the Quebec Cancer Foundation to pursue its mission: to offer personalized, quality daily support free of charge or at minimal cost.
Generosity renewed year after year
“Seeing so many people mobilize for Quebecers affected by cancer is deeply inspiring. Every step taken during the walks is a testament to the solidarity and commitment of our community. Our heartfelt thanks to our participants, volunteers, donors, and our valued partners who make this mobilization possible. A very special thank you to Desjardins, our presenting partner, as well as Larivière et Massicotte [Pharmaciennes inc. – Pharmacie d’expertise], our collaborating partner, for their invaluable support over many years. Thanks to all of you, the Quebec Cancer Foundation can be there, across Quebec, to listen to, inform, comfort, and accompany people living with cancer and their loved ones, in order to ease their journey,” said Véronique Ranger, Deputy Executive Director of the Quebec Cancer Foundation. Once again, we wish to deeply thank our ambassador, Marc-Antoine Dequoy, for his involvement and dedication to our Foundation and the cause it serves.
video created by Momentumm
Cancer doesn’t wait
And neither does the Foundation’s mission. In Quebec, every 8 minutes, someone learns they have cancer. We must continue to offer the best services to help these people. That’s why the Foundation opened a new lodging centre in Abitibi this year, and continues to expand its range of support services and complementary therapies. Thanks to your donations, you help ease the burden of cancer. A heartfelt thank you to all participants and volunteers. 
For media inquiries: Raphaël Desmaison Digital Communications and Graphic Design Advisor Fondation québécoise du cancer Email: [email protected]