Helping others through the Bone Marrow Transplant Foundation

Being socially involved and helping those in need has always been a priority for laurie raphaël owners Suzanne Gagnon and Daniel Vézina.

After experiencing the personal loss of an employee to severe leukemia and being visited by a young girl with the same illness, who unfortunately passed away shortly afterward, Suzanne and Daniel decided to become heavily involved in Fondation de la Greffe de Moelle Osseuse de l’Est du Québec. Suzanne joined the board of directors in 2003, where her enthusiasm, respect for those in need, and strong desire to help others have contributed to the exceptional growth of this small foundation.

In particular Ms. Gagnon has sought to enhance the Foundation’s visibility through her involvement in yearly fundraising activities like the Chinese Auction and the Golf Tournament (to which she adds a gourmet touch, offering participants a uniquely special day). Thanks to her commitment and her desire to go the extra mile, the board of directors is currently looking to purchase an eight-room residence in order to bring all patients under one roof.

What is the Foundation?

The Foundation is a charitable organization recognized by Revenue Canada and Revenu Québec. It was created in 1996 by bone marrow transplant patients and their spouses. Hematologists and nurses who work with patients joined with them to help address the challenges faced by a group all too often forgotten—adults. The Foundation’s mission is to aid transplant patients and their loved ones by providing services at little or no cost. It is a practical mission, one aimed at lightening the burden of illness for bone marrow transplant patients who still have daily responsibilities to meet.

Since bone marrow transplants and stem cell treatments are only practiced in major urban areas like Quebec City or Montreal, the clientele served by the Foundation is found throughout eastern Quebec. Out-of-town patients requiring bone marrow transplants must stay in Quebec City for periods running anywhere from 30 to 120 days.

The services the Foundation offers are based on patient needs and are constantly revised and adapted. For example, shorter hospitalization times and new outpatient treatment methods for certain hematopoietic stem cell implants prompted the Foundation to develop a network of accommodations that meet the hygiene requirements of a compromised immune system.

The Foundation’s approach is always the same: try to recreate a familiar, family-like setting. It therefore limits the number of intermediaries to two and gives them extensive decision-making authority. It also strives to ensure that any problems brought to its attention are dealt with within hours.

In housing matters, it seeks to provide transplant patients and those accompanying them with “a home away from home” where they can settle comfortably in (bearing in mind they may have to be away from their actual homes for up to three months), live according to their own schedule, eat what and when they want, and remain in the company of those they wish. To this end, the Foundation has agreements with owners of well-located apartment buildings where rental units of various sizes are available. That way, it helps meet the housing needs of patients while respecting and preserving their independence. The Foundation currently has seven apartments, and demand appears to be growing.

The Foundation’s know-how in providing accommodations for this specific clientele has gained recognition for it as a national accommodation service certified by the Ministry of Health and Social Services.

For more information, to make a donation, or to register for one of the Foundation’s activities, please contact Ms. Lorraine Guay at 418-529-5580.