As hope grows, our children grow.

t’s thanks to them that I can hold my son in my arms. I’m extremely proud to be an ambassador for the CHU Sainte-Justine Foundation. 

Today, the CHU Sainte-Justine Foundation unveiled its new ambassador, Guy A Lepage. This announcement coincides with the launch of its Love is contagious campaign, which will be driven by a stirring, emotion-filled video.

The mother of three and an accomplished leader, Jacynthe Côté is the first woman to chair the CHU Sainte-Justine Foundation’s Board of Directors. She was inspired to accept the position because of her love for children. Here is our talk with this woman of passion and determination.

During my nine years on the CHU Sainte-Justine Foundation’s Board of Directors, the last six of which I served as chairman, I had the opportunity to visit the hospital several times. I always had the same impression: I was visiting an exceptional place, a place where excellence and the desire to excel coexist. 

On September 27, almost a 100 guests gathered at the CHU Sainte-Justine to take part in the Foundation’s 30th Annual General Meeting and pay a heartfelt tribute to the outgoing Chairman of the Board of Directors, Michael Fortier.

Winter 2016. One last run. An afternoon of skiing like any other for 12-year-old Juliette, her brother Ludovic and her father, Matthieu. She started down the trail, but it was icy. She lost control. Her uncontrolled descent came to an abrupt halt when she crashed headfirst into the wall of an ice castle built on the edge of the trail. Then, nothing. A total blackout.

I had to make the hardest decision of my life that day. One that changed me for good. I had to decide whether to let you go or keep you with me to endure a lifetime of suffering. I yearned to see you take your first steps, play hockey with your friends and open your presents on Christmas morning. But none of that was going to happen. 

There is a story behind every trauma. Vanessa's involves a savage attack by a pair of dogs on September 20, 2015. And then there are the people who step in and make a difference. For the Biron family, the dedicated team of professionals at Saint-Justine are among those who spared no effort to help their daughter get better.