Testimonials

Claude Bédard has a big heart. At the age of 20, he opened his own service station and quickly become a successful businessman. In 1960, he met with specialists at the Montreal Heart Institute and decided to adopt healthier lifestyle habits. “I had three priorities: taking a walk every morning, working out at least three times a week, and eating healthy,” he says. In 1967, he co-founded the Institute’s EPIC Centre, now the country’s largest prevention centre.

Despite the challenges he’s faced over the years, Mr. Bédard, now 85, is convinced that helping others is good for the heart and that giving is a way to achieve happiness!

When his notary spoke to him about the tax advantages of planned gifts, he decided it was a way for him to help his community. “It’s essential for me to give back to the Institute because it’s a cardiology centre that’s been so important in my life,” said Mr. Bédard. It brings him joy to see that he’s helping the Institute’s specialists save lives and make discoveries that will change lives.

donate

Last year, I decided to get involved in the fight against cardiovascular diseases. I’m taking part in the Active-toi avec cœur program on behalf of a loved one to raise funds for the Montreal Heart Institute Foundation. My grandfather has unfortunately been suffering from heart disease for the past several years and has been receiving treatments at the Institute.

Small gestures like these ones help us support institutions that care for our loved ones and improve their quality of life.

I run to thank the health care teams who help my grandfather every day to treat his disease. At the age of 82, he is an example of a miracle that is due in part to the great care he is fortunate enough to receive.

sign up now

In the past five years, my mother and aunt both underwent a triple bypass. Following these events, my family and I decided to make exercise a top priority. I am now a runner and I raise funds for cardiovascular health through the Montreal Heart institute Foundation’s Active-toi avec cœur program. My mother for her part became a member of the EPIC Centre.

I like the feeling of well-being that running provides and I’m grateful to be able to count on the support of my family. I’m especially proud to be able to enjoy one of my favourite activities while supporting the Institute which has saved the lives of several members of my family.

Active-toi avec cœur is a great way to encourage others to exercise and prevent cardiovascular diseases while supporting the Institute which cares for our loved ones.

sign up now

I run for my father. Five years ago, he lost the use of his legs and his speech after a severe stroke. The Active-toi avec cœur program is a way for me to support cardiovascular health in honour of my father and on behalf of everyone who has been affected by the cause.

By raising awareness and focusing on prevention, I hope fewer people experience what my father has gone through.

This year, I’m getting involved for the first time with the Montreal Heart Institute Foundation by running for the heart. I think this program is wonderful because it helps keep people in shape and encourages them to push their limits while mobilizing for the cause. I firmly believe that Active-toi-avec coeur and the Foundation have a positive impact on our society. I hope to contribute to the cause by raising funds and taking part in different races. This is also my way to raise awareness about the risks of strokes.

sign up now