What began as a small mole on his neck that quickly changed in appearance, marked a turning point in Anthony’s life. In 2020, he was diagnosed with melanoma, an aggressive form of skin cancer.
He underwent several procedures in his hometown, Victoriaville, Quebec. Anthony held on to the hope that the situation could still be managed, and some normalcy was still possible. In 2023, however, the disease progressed quickly. In just a few months, he went from 1 brain tumour to 35 tumours, and developed lesions on his spine. "It came as a shock because as an accountant, my brain is essential to my work,” he explains. Despite a grim prognosis and declining health, Anthony continues to hold on to hope and the support of his family.
I think my friends and family took it harder than me. They felt powerless in the face of the progression of my health. I felt in control of my healing, or at least I wanted to stay positive to help. Staying hopeful was my only option.
A medical innovation transforms Anthony’s life
Then, against all expectations, a new targeted treatment stabilized Anthony’s condition. Unlike more traditional approaches, it targeted a precise mutation of melanoma present in Anthony’s cancer. Used as a last resort, and still uncommon just a few years earlier, the treatment completely changed the course of the disease. Gradually, Anthony’s condition got better. Although the cancer was still there, he regained a better quality of life. “I prefer to see life as a counter: each passing day adds one more day to celebrate. A counter doesn’t have an end, and that changes the way we think,” he says.
“We want the research to move fast enough so that the day Anthony’s body develops tolerance to his treatment. There is a new option available to him,” says Marilyn Bourassa, Anthony’s wife.
Today, Anthony lives with the disease, fully aware that this stability remains fragile. He notes, however, that the time he has gained is because of both the medical advances and the unwavering support of his loved ones. “We were really lucky. Our families, our friends, everyone took turns to help us,” explains Anthony.
Anthony and Marilyn recognize not only the importance of access to treatment, but also everything that makes those treatments possible in the first place: research, funding and ongoing advocacy. This realization has become a true driving force behind his commitment.
You always want to minimize the time it takes to access a new treatment. That’s why we focus so heavily on research and organize numerous fundraisers: we know that time is of the essence.
Getting involved with the Relay For Life community
It was with this mindset that the couple discovered the Canadian Cancer Society’s Relay For Life a few years ago. Right away, they saw it as a way to get involved and take action to support research, fund essential services and bring people together to support those living with cancer.
Relay quickly became an important part of the couple’s life. Anthony organized teams made up of family members, friends and colleagues, turning the event into a meaningful tradition and a shared connection.
What I really love about Relay For Life is meeting people who are going through the same experience. We've developed friendships that have lasted for years.
In 2026, Anthony will be the Ambassador of Honour for the 20th edition of Relay For Life held in the Érable regional county municipality in Quebec. He sees it as an opportunity to share his experience and show that no matter where you are in your cancer experience, it is possible to get involved in your own way.
We want to generate excitement, raise awareness for the cause and show that taking action is possible.
For Anthony, being an ambassador means recognizing that every action, every step and every donation counts. Having this in mind, he organized a walking challenge from May 5 to May 8 from Quebec City to Victoriaville to raise funds for Relay For Life. It was a way for him to turn his commitment into action and support those living with cancer.
Join Anthony and thousands of people across the province and country who are mobilizing to celebrate the courage of those affected by the disease and help shape the future of cancer.
To participate, gather your friends and family to form a team, and rally your community to collect donations.
We want to leave a mark, enjoy the present moment and encourage everyone to contribute to the cause.
Help create a future without cancer
With support from readers like you, we can continue to make a meaningful impact for people affected by cancer.
We are determined to increase survival, stop cancer before it starts, and improve lives. But we can’t do it without you.
If everyone reading this gave just $5, we could achieve our goal this month to fund the most promising research, compassionate support and transformative advocacy. Please give today because every contribution counts. Thank you.