“Now I want to share what I received and give back so that others can lead a fulfilling life too.” A former Olympian talks about her experiences with cancer and how to have a meaningful life.
Through all her memorable travels and exciting adventures, sports were always Élaine Bourbeau's main passion. Born in 1949, Élaine's incredible rowing skills enabled her to represent Canada at the 1976 Olympic Games. But life took a different turn when she was diagnosed with cancer in 2001. Élaine overcame the disease, only to receive a new diagnosis in 2019. The second bout of cancer took 2 months of intensive treatments at the Centre hospitalier de l'Université de Montréal (CHUM).
Unfortunately for Élaine, the hospital wasn't close to home, which is why she was so relieved when she learned about the Canadian Cancer Society's (CCS) Jacques-Cantin Lodge in Montreal. She says, "It was one less thing for me to worry about because I could stay there 5 days a week and get a ride to the CHUM for my treatments if needed."
Élaine underwent 43 treatments in 53 days, including 33 radiotherapy sessions, 6 chemotherapy sessions and 4 brachytherapy sessions. In the midst of her gruelling treatments, she found empathy, companionship and support at the Jacques-Cantin Lodge. Above all, she was touched by the understanding staff and unwavering solidarity from her fellow residents. Élaine says, "Steven, one of the residents, was such a motivator. He'd always say ‘hi’ to everyone and encourage us because we all wanted to survive!"
And survive she did.
Now in her seventies, Élaine no longer considers sports her main passion; she is also passionate about giving. She says, "Much of the credit goes to the Canadian Cancer Society and all the services they offered me."
Élaine has donated to CCS for over 20 years and is further supporting the organization through a planned gift that will enable future generations to benefit from cancer research breakthroughs and compassionate care. She says, "I've led a fulfilling life. I've benefited from all the CCS services, all the cancer research and all the support. Now I want to share what I received and give back so that others can lead a fulfilling life too."
Note: This is an edit of the original article written in French.
