A heart in motion: Félix’s journey to pay tribute to his mother

Everything changed for Félix Bélanger on March 23, 2025. That morning, the 22-year-old received a call from his father informing him his mother, Valérie Charland, had been taken to the hospital. When he got there, it was too late. His mother had suffered a myocardial rupture. There had been no warning signs or pain. She was 51. 

Valérie was a teacher and a pillar of her community. She’d always been physically active and ready to go on a hike or take part in an outdoor activity. In fact, she dreamt of biking across the United States. This summer, Félix will honour his mother’s memory while raising funds for cardiovascular research by undertaking a 500-km bike trip from Portland, Oregon to Provincetown, Massachusetts.

“I thought it was nice way to give back after everything she’s given to the community,” said Félix Bélanger. 

The planned trip quickly turned into an opportunity to raise funds for the Montreal Heart Institute Foundation. Félix’s goal is to advance research to better understand and prevent tragedies like the one that befell his family.

Valérie Charland suffered a myocardial rupture. More commonly observed in women, it occurs when the heart muscle, weakened by a damaged area, tears under the force of the heart’s contraction. Even though it is a rare condition, it is a reminder of the vital importance of research and preventive screening. 

A few of Félix’s close friends will be joining him for the challenge. He's also planning to create athletic wear and donating all the proceeds from sales to the MHI Foundation. 

His community has already rallied behind his initiative: he has raised 84% of his fundraising target. No matter how big or small, every dollar donated helps him get one step (or pedal stroke!) closer to making his dream of honouring Valérie Charland a reality.  

To find out more, listen to his interview on Des matins en or, with David Chabot, on Radio-Canada Abitibi-Témiscamingue (available in French only).