Patient's stories
Caroline Martinez-Bouchard
Acute lymphoblastic leukemia
Caroline Martinez-Bouchard owes her life to advances in oncology research
When you’re in your early twenties and you realize your life is hanging by a thread, your world comes crashing down around you. My name is Caroline Martinez Bouchard and soon after my 21st birthday, I found out I had cancer. The diagnosis: acute lymphoblastic leukemia. Until then, I thought I had a dazzling future. But all too suddenly, I had to face this horrifying disease and the real possibility that it would be the end of me. My whole world fell apart.
Luckily, shortly after being diagnosed, I was transferred to the HMR oncology department, which saved my life! I had an opportunity to be the first to undergo a new treatment like the one used on leukemia patients under 18, which called for stronger doses of chemotherapy drugs. After two years of treatments, I finally put my illness behind me. But by then, I had pretty much lost hope of ever starting a family. It was a shock to me.
A while later, wanting to live life to the fullest, I headed to South America in search of adventure. That’s when, against all odds, a miracle occurred: I got pregnant and, nine months later, my beautiful Valentina was born.
A welcoming environment and unparalleled care
Not long after I turned 21, I had a brush with death. That experience completely changed me as a woman and as a mother. Today, when my daughter falls asleep on my shoulder or gives me a big hug, I realize how precious life is. I will never be able to repay the members of the HMR medical team who, through their support and professionalism, helped me beat cancer and get a new lease on life!
Your gifts are priceless
Unfortunately, my story is not unique, as it has been estimated that half of all Canadians will get cancer at some point in their lives. Think about it. It could be you or someone you love. But together, we can beat the statistics by generously donating to the HMR Foundation, which supports our cherished hospital and its dedication to making advances in cancer research.
Without you, and without the right equipment, the full potential of the medical staff’s expertise will remain untapped. What’s more, in order to deliver the best quality care while allaying people’s suffering, staff members need to keep honing their skills and have access to cutting-edge resources.
If you think that one donation can’t tip the scales, you’ve got it all wrong! Every donation to the HMR Foundation makes a huge difference in the lives of people who, like me, have gone through such a harrowing ordeal. To help patients overcome illness while maintaining their dignity, we need you!
Thank you for generously supporting the HMR Foundation and for giving other people just like me a chance to live on and spread their wings!
