Cardiac arrest survivors attending the event with Laurent Duvernay-Tardif. First row : Jean-François Kuersteiner, Laurent Morisset, Éric Cardinal, Adam Côté, Charles Therrien, Robert Marien, Didier Schraenen. Botton row : Laurent Duvernay-Tardif (guest of honor), Zach Stabb, Émile Beauchamp, Jean-Philippe LaRose, Daniel Plamondon.
In a powerful atmosphere of emotion and dedication, the Jacques-de Champlain Foundation held the 2nd edition of its Gala Honoring Survivors on May 8, bringing together over 150 guests, donors, and allies of the cause. This special evening highlighted the importance of access to automated external defibrillators (AEDs) in our public spaces.
Hosted by actor and cardiac arrest survivor Robert Marien, the evening featured the screening of a video showcasing the testimonies of 15 cardiac arrest survivors. These stories, shared with authenticity, served as a powerful reminder that every second counts and that an AED can mean the difference between life and death.
A key moment of the evening was the on-stage interview between sports journalist Paul Rivard and Laurent Duvernay-Tardif, former professional football player and physician, who praised the Foundation’s impact: “There are many foundations doing important work to save lives—Jacques-de Champlain Foundation is one of them.”
The Foundation’s leadership and all members of the Board of Directors would like to warmly thank all the guests, donors, volunteers, and everyone who supports its mission. A special thank-you goes to Jean-Philippe LaRose, survivor, spokesperson, and board member, whose commitment and involvement were instrumental to the event’s success.
The funds raised during the charity auction will enable the Foundation to continue its efforts to increase the presence of accessible AEDs across Quebec and to promote its mobile app, AED-Quebec, which currently lists over 9,500 devices throughout the province.
Since 2009, the Jacques-de Champlain Foundation has worked to increase the survival rate of cardiac arrest victims by improving access to and use of automated external defibrillators (AEDs).
Together, let’s make hearts beat.
Members of the Board of Directors and Laurent Duvernay-Tardif. From left to right : Jean-Philippe LaRose, Dr Wayne Smith (Vice President), Yves Sauvé, Nancy Pelletier, Dr Laurent Duvernay-Tardif (guest of honor), Dr François de Champlain (President), Laurent Morisset, Olivier Cléroux.
The event’s photo album is available on our Facebook page.