Because we are great fans of happy endings, we are thrilled to share this one with you. Gabriel Rivard was a sponsored child at the 2003 and 2004 editions of the 24h when he was 11 and 12 years old. He was being treated for Ewing’s sarcoma in the right femur.
Now he is thrilled to announce that in May 2018, he will receive his Bachelor’s degree in nursing!
“I’ve been working as a nurse since finishing CEGEP, and I love my trade already. I feel like I’m making a real difference in people’s lives. I take the time to listen to them, reassure them, because I know more than anyone what they might be feeling.”
As a child, Gabriel was hospitalized for treatments many times at Centre de cancérologie Charles-Bruneau. Back then, he admired a male nurse named Alexandre. “It was my mother, years later, who reminded me how much I wished I was him and the many times I said I wanted to do what he did – heal children. And here I am, 15 years later, caring for people who need it.”
Gabriel’s wishes for you in 2018
“Keep up your fantastic energy and never forget WHY you are engaged in the cause: children need you, and you can help them. I am living proof of the benefits of advances in medical research!”
Gabriel remembers how comforting and good it was to see people rallying to the cause at the 24h events. “All of those people who were involved and weren’t even sick themselves – that inspired me. I felt that I had support,” he recalls.
What’s next?
Gabriel is focused on obtaining his degree and then hopes to have some time to travel occasionally. He had the chance to take a trip to Togo while he was in CEGEP and adored the experience.
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Gabriel’s story
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