Running for Éric Cool: an inspiring initiative in L’Assomption

Éric Cool is a well-known patient at the Montreal Heart Institute and its Foundation. He underwent emergency surgery in 2021 after suffering a massive heart attack at the age of 47. He then became greatly involved in the cause and has organized numerous fundraising activities since his operation. Unfortunately, his condition deteriorated over time and he received a heart transplant in 2023.

That’s when Ariane Bouchard decided to encourage residents of L’Assomption to take part in a race to raise funds to support the fight against cardiovascular diseases.

“Éric Cool was not only my high school principal, he’s also my father’s friend. I was really touched by his story. That’s why I decided to take action to support his cause, a cause that affects too many people… I realized that Éric was nearly the same age as my parents and that a heart attack can happen at any moment, even to people who are physically active, just like he was when he suffered a heart attack.”

As an elementary school teacher and the Executive Director of the Lanaudière olympique running club, Ariane is dedicated to teaching others about the importance of an active lifestyle. When organizing her municipality’s first road race, she decided to use the opportunity to raise awareness about heart disease – and celebrate Éric’s courage and determination.

The “L’Assomption en foulées” race is aimed at runners of all levels and will take place on April 15, 2023. Participants can take part in races of varying distance (between 1 and 10 km) or sign up for a relay race, perfect for families and corporate teams.

“A school kit is also available for elementary schools and high schools. In fact, teams comprising teachers and students from the school where Éric works have also signed up. It’s a heartwarming show of solidarity.”

For more information about the event, click here.

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