It was the 12th of November.

I remember it very well. On that day in 2014, my life took an unexpected turn: I was told that I had a brain tumor.

Beyond panic, fear and many questions, my greatest anxiety was to tell my mother about this situation: that her only child was stricken with a serious medical condition whereas her husband, my father, had passed away from cancer 17 years earlier after two years of fighting. 

It was a Sunday, November 16, that I told her of my condition and that our lives were going to change a little. How? I didn't really know. Even the doctors could not predict how the next phase would develop. While they did know the procedures, exams, interventions and applicable treatments to come, the rest was a toss of dice. How would I react, how would the tumour react, how would others react? 

Several difficult weeks followed. Difficult, because I had to tell my friends, family and colleagues what was going on: the treatments, the effects and random conditions. But also, it was difficult on the soul. What does this mean? How will my life be from today? Will I die soon? Will I be physically and / or mentally disabled in any way? 

Despite all the fears, I embarked on this journey with determination. One thing was certain: I would not loose confidence and I would not be overcome by my condition. I will fight.

It led me into corners where I had to prepare for the upcoming blows as well as for the rest of the duel. What would the end result be? What would the future look like? What would really change? What were the options?

Throughout my fight, I had an army by my side. First, my wife who was on the frontline all the way, but also my mother and her husband, present, loving, and made sure that we are always supported in all kinds of ways to help us get through everyday life. My friends, family members and colleagues, worried, who reached out more than regularly. In addition, a legion, a battalion of souls, prayed for me every day, every week, even some who I had never met.

Today, the tumor is still there. It remains quiet, at that's good. 

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This is my story.

There are thousands more that are not as positive. Some do not have the chance that I've had, others have given up due to lack of tools, and, for all, the fight has been extremely difficult. 

Today, there is a unique opportunity to offer a powerful tool to those with brain tumors to help fight back and give them another chance at life.

It is laser technology that only two Canadian children's hospitals can currently offer. Two ! Otherwise, you must go to the United States for treatment. How many of us have such means?

We are fortunate to provide adults with brain tumors with state-of-the-art technology and help them in their fight.

I fought and will continue to do so.

My mother and I will make a substantial contribution to this project because, you will understand, it is particularly important to us.

I am asking you personally to contribute as well so that this technology can be implemented in Quebec and be available to the thousands of other people affected, including me. Your contribution, regardless of the amount, will be greatly appreciated. A few dollars from you combined with those of others will allow this project to see the light of day.

On my part, but also of all those who will benefit from it, I thank you warmly.

Bruno Ménard

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A portion of this text is taken from a blog entry that you can read here (in French only): Merci « l’amie ».