Testimonials

The Montreal Heart Institute is synonymous with peace of mind and absolute trust for Justine. She had surgery at another centre at the age of four due to a heart murmur and an atrial septal defect (ASD), and has been closely monitored by a cardiologist at the Montreal Heart Institute since she was 18 years old. If she has questions or a health problem, she knows that she will be quickly supported by a team of experts. As a participant in the Institute’s Biobank project, she is now undergoing tests that will explore the link between genetics and her heart condition. This will help her better understand her illness, and allow her to take part in research to determine if her condition is hereditary.

Justine is a proud member of the Emerging Leaders Committee of the Montreal Heart Institute Foundation, where she has been able to meet other generous young philanthropists and raise awareness among her community about the risks of cardiovascular disease.

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Marie-Laurence is treated at the Montreal Heart Institute for congenital heart disease, a heart defect that is present from birth. At the Institute, she underwent genetic testing, then worked with her cardiologist to put together a treatment plan that allows her to live a normal life, in spite of her condition.

As a young professional, she’s constantly looking for ways to get involved and take advantage of her network of contacts. Because of the peerless care she receives from the Institute, getting involved with the Foundation seemed like a perfect fit. As a member of the Emerging Leaders Committee of the Montreal Heart Institute, she is constantly finding ever more creative ways to convince people to give to the cause.

If you ask her, there’s no miracle solution to advance cardiovascular medicine. Giving is one of the most concrete ways to allow the Institute to continue providing ultra-specialized care to patients who, like her, suffer from heart disease. To create as much awareness as possible, she’s very open about her experience, and always tries to share new discoveries and advances the Institute has made in the field of cardiology with her network.

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A patient of the Montreal Heart Institute since he was 18, Pierre-Marc had a defibrillator implanted last July. Having undergone open heart surgery at age three due to an atrial septal defect (ASD), in May 2018 he noticed that he was no longer able to play sports at the same level, and he was finding himself more and more short of breath. He also noticed a worrying arrhythmia. In June, an urgent trip to the Institute uncovered a weakness his heart related to arrhythmia, as well as ventricular desynchronization. Finally, after two cardiac ablation procedures, he had a defibrillator implanted in his chest. His recovery was quick: a few months later, he even went back to working out.

Pierre-Marc always believed that the Institute had very advanced cardiac expertise. Whenever he went, he felt that his heart was in good hands. He is now more certain than ever that the Institute’s passionate medical team is perfectly equipped to support his cardiovascular health. He is particularly proud to be treated by one of the top three cardiology centres in the world.

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Louis-Philippe underwent two surgeries at a very young age; first when he was only ten days old for a ventricular septal defect (VSD), then again at age seven for aortic coarctation. Despite his condition and his surgeries, he’s always been active, playing sports and nurturing a passion for music. When he was twenty, on his way to work, he suddenly felt profoundly unwell and passed out. He woke up in the hospital, where it was confirmed that he’d had a stroke, and was paralyzed on the right side. The university student was forced to go back to basics, learning to write with his left hand, able to see out of only one eye and dealing with recurrent memory loss. Thanks to sports and music, the ever-present support of his friends and family, and the excellent care provided by the Montreal Heart Institute, he is thankful that today, life feels normal again, albeit with some limitations. His progress has been astonishing.

Louis-Philippe supports the cause of the Montreal Heart Institute Foundation because he hopes to raise awareness and encourage people to give generously, and make a difference in young patients’ lives.

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In the spring of 2003, Stéphane began to experience some unpleasant cardiac symptoms. Then one morning in May, he fainted in the shower. He went immediately to the Montreal Heart Institute. After a revealing electrocardiogram, he was immediately admitted for further testing.

After two full weeks at the Institute, his physicians pronounced that he had a congenital condition called hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. The medical team was in agreement that a cardiac defibrillator should be implanted, in order to protect him from major heart failure or even sudden death. When he left the hospital, his physician reassured him that he could resume his normal life. Stéphane took his advice, and went on to run a half, then a full marathon, in addition to leading a very active lifestyle. Without the rapid action and undeniable skill of the entire team at the Institute, things could have turned out very differently. For Stéphane, the Montreal Heart Institute is, and always will be, close to his heart!

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Making a planned gift to the Foundation is an advantageous way to show your generosity, as it benefits both you and the Institute. It means stretching the impact of your assets, thereby contribute further to the wellness caregivers and patients alike.

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Cardiovascular diseases are the world’s leading cause of death. Thanks to the Montreal Heart Institute, more than 68,000 patients are treated every year and can enjoy a better quality of life. Jean-Pierre Quintin is one of these patients.

“The Institute saved my life, and I am extremely grateful. What I appreciated the most is that their teams talk with each other and help each other out. It’s a friendly place, so much so that you forget you’re ill. I’m monitored by dedicated professionals who care about my well-being.”

Convinced about the importance of care, research, teaching, and prevention, and in order to live up to his values, Mr. Quintin has chosen to make a bequest to support the Institute that has changed his life.

“I decided to make a bequest to the Montreal Heart Institute Foundation to ensure everyone who provides exceptional care to patients can continue to pursue their projects.”

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Twenty years ago, I had bypass surgery at the Institute. My father was cared for there as well. The Institute is part of our family history. It is a source of deep pride to see its international reputation grow. Its teams are extraordinary. That’s why I decided to make a gift of shares, which, thanks to my tax receipt, allowed me to be even more generous.

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For more than 20 years, we’ve been followed at the Institute by competent, dedicated, and attentive physicians. Every time we visit the Institute, the staff reassures us and we always leave our appointments with peace of mind. Every member of the team strives to find the best possible treatments. They make sure to get to the bottom of every issue to find the right solution.

The Institute is incredible! They go above and beyond for us, and they always provide excellent services to their patients.

The Institute’s Foundation has also been a big part of our lives. They’re always available to advise us, guide us, and answer all our questions. They are professional, organized, and honest. We know that the funds they oversee are in good hands.

We’re aware of how lucky we are to be taken care of by the best of the best. By choosing to leave a gift in our will to the Institute, we know our money will be put to excellent use.

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Every day, I see the extent to which we matter to Quebecers. At the Montreal Heart Institute, we don’t treat the disease, we treat the person. When people come here, they know that their heart is in the very best hands. Life has been kind to me. I am healthy. Including the Foundation as a beneficiary of my life insurance policy is my way of saying thank you.

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