Sabrina Cloutier, sarcoma survivor: I’ve had it all
15 March 2024
The HMR plays a key role in the lives of a great number of people every single day. And far too often, someone’s very survival, a highly complex undertaking, is at stake.
One example comes easily to mind: Sabrina Cloutier. She had to tackle some serious health issues, as you’ll be able to learn in the enclosed testimony.
She would tell you without hesitation that she had everything her heart could desire.
Her HMR doctor suggested an innovative treatment, still rarely used in North America. This protocol combined chemotherapy, surgery and radiotherapy. And it worked! 10 years on, she is still cancer free.
This is how, in her own words, she expressed her deep appreciation for your help.
I would like to share a secret with you:
I’m one of those people who have it all. A happy childhood, loving parents, excellent schools. I became a contented mother and an accomplished professional.
Yes, I’ve had it all. Even cancer.
When my son was 2 and my daughter 9 months old, I developed a Ewing’s sarcoma in my right shoulder blade, right next to my lung. I was referred to the Hôpital Maisonneuve-Rosemont.
The biopsy results were inconclusive, but there was no doubt in Dr. Sophie Mottard’s mind. She brought me back in for a second biopsy. And she confirmed her diagnosis.
Naturally, as I would always have it all, I had every treatment you can think of. First, there was chemotherapy, and a whole lot of it: it was nothing short of a full-time job.
7 a.m., Monday morning, I was off to the hospital, and my treatment ended around 4:30 p.m. An hour and a half later, I needed a blood transfusion. And on it went, every single day. Monday to Friday, for 9 months.
The following week, I would stay home, where I was given expensive injections daily.
My chemo was interrupted by 32 radiation therapy treatments and emergency room visits. I told you: I had it all!
This year, I celebrated 10 years in remission. With my family, my friends, and Dr. Mottard. Everyone was there. 10 years. That’s exceptional. Truly exceptional.
I’m sure you’ll understand that today, and now more than ever, I still have it all. And now, to top it all off, I have you!
I want to thank the Hôpital Maisonneuve-Rosemont, the Hôpital Maisonneuve-Rosemont Foundation and Dr. Mottard.
And, most of all, I want to thank you, from the bottom of my heart.
The HMR Foundation & You
The mission of the HMR Foundation is to engage donors and partners to build healthy communities and transform the future of healthcare.
None of this would be possible without your help.
P.S. – It goes without saying that we all hope to avoid health issues but try and see your donation as an investment in your future, so the HMR can provide you with the very best care when you’ll need it. Give generously.
