For 29 years, the Tour CIBC Charles-Bruneau has brought together cyclists, partners, and donors around a common goal: to support pediatric hematology-oncology research and care. But it is above all the young heroes and heroines of the Tour who give a human face to this cause. These children and teenagers, who are living or have lived with cancer, bring exceptional energy and determination. In this article, we introduce you to these young heroes and heroines, true symbols of hope and inspiration for the entire Tour community.
Liam, 7, in remission from unilateral left retinoblastoma
At the age of 7, Liam is unstoppable on his two-wheeled bike. He perfectly embodies the essence of the Tour CIBC Charles-Bruneau, where he will act as the event's Hero on the distance course.
In June 2023, Liam was diagnosed with unilateral left retinoblastoma. After undergoing treatment, including chemotherapy at the Charles-Bruneau Cancer Center at CHU Sainte-Justine, he is now in remission. However, he must continue to receive monthly ophthalmological procedures. His parents say that during his treatment, the family felt at home even though they had to go to the hospital regularly. The hospital provided them with comfort, support, security, and hope. Today, Liam is very happy to be able to return to school, which was not possible during his treatment.
Liam is passionate about Lego and outdoor sports. In his free time, he enjoys biking, scootering, skiing, and puzzles. He also loves spending time with his brother, whether it's sharing ice cream or simply playing outside. Always smiling and bursting with energy, he is particularly proud of being able to run very fast!
To watch his video, click here.
Mathis, 4 years old, undergoing treatment for type B lymphoblastic leukemia
Who better than Mathis, discovering riding a two-wheeled bike, to be the Hero of the Discovery routes at the Tour CIBC Charles-Bruneau?
In April 2024, at the age of 3, Mathis was diagnosed with type B lymphoblastic leukemia. Treated at the Charles-Bruneau Cancer Center at CHU Sainte-Justine, he is currently undergoing consolidation therapy to prevent leukemia cells from reappearing after induction therapy. Four days before the birth of his little brother, Mathis' parents received the news of his diagnosis. It was an intense period at the hospital, with Mathis' mother also hospitalized at the same time. However, his parents say that the staff was very responsive and made their stay easier. Mathis' new little brother, Liam, accompanied him everywhere during his treatments. During the most difficult treatments, Mathis asked only one thing: “Is Liam proud of me?” He asked his little brother to give him courage. Since then, the two brothers have been inseparable.
Mathis' parents describe him as a wise soul in the body of a 4-year-old. He is thoughtful, considerate, and very grateful. A budding young athlete, he loves playing golf with his father or skiing with his family, but what he likes best of all is going to lunch at Ben & Florentine!
To watch his video, click here.
Flora, 3 years old, in remission from Wilms' tumor.
Bursting with energy and always smiling, Flora will touch the hearts of participants in the 3-day ride starting in Quebec City and the 2-day ride starting in Victoriaville as the heroine of the Tour CIBC Charles-Bruneau.
In April 2024, Flora's family received a diagnosis of Wilms' tumor. After surgery to remove her left kidney and several rounds of radiation and chemotherapy at the Charles-Bruneau Pediatric Hematology-Oncology Unit at the CHU de Québec-Université Laval, the young girl rang the bell of remission in February 2025. At each of her appointments, Flora transformed the unit into a theater stage, putting on a show and playing with the unit's staff. Her parents say that as soon as the diagnosis was announced, they decided to transform Flora's daily life at the hospital into a magical world. This greatly helped her get through the different stages and treatments. For example, for Flora, chemotherapy is a magic potion, and radiation therapy has become a time to visit Peter Pan's imaginary land. She even has the magical power to open the hospital's automatic doors, a power that only she possesses!
Despite her very young age, Flora has very varied tastes. She loves dancing, horseback riding, snowboarding, listening to music, eating ice cream, dreaming about princesses, surfing, and is interested in airplanes, etc. Her biggest dream is to become a pilot.
To watch her video, click here.
Charlotte, 11, in remission from acute lymphoblastic leukemia.
Charlotte, who is bubbly and funny at times, is a real foodie. She will be happy to taste all the snacks available at the Tour CIBC Charles-Bruneau. Heroine of the 2-day route starting in Sherbrooke and the 1-day route starting in Saint-Hyacinthe, she will guide participants to THE best snack for an energy boost.
In October 2024, Charlotte was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia at the age of 10. She is now in remission. However, she still has several treatments ahead of her, including an intensive phase, to prevent the cancer cells from returning. She is receiving treatment at the Charles-Bruneau Pediatric Oncology Unit at the CIUSSS de l'Estrie – CHUS. Charlotte's parents explain that “Charlotte has been very fortunate to respond well to treatment so far, despite a mutation that could indicate a higher probability of recurrence. She has had almost no side effects. Jokingly, at the hospital, when they explain the side effects of a new treatment, the doctors end up saying, throwing up their hands, 'But this is Charlotte! Because of her treatments, Charlotte is currently being homeschooled. She can't wait to get back to her school routine and see her friends again.
Charlotte is passionate about food; she loves to taste new things, but also to cook. Her parents describe her as a true force of nature. They say that one of her strengths is her sense of humor, which has helped her greatly in coping with the challenges brought on by her diagnosis.
To watch her video, click here.
Rosalie, 12, undergoing treatment for acute lymphoblastic leukemia
A talented young woman in the making, Rosalie, 12, will be the heroine of the 4-day ride starting in Trois-Rivières and the 1-day ride starting in Drummondville. You will be touched by her serenity and maturity throughout the Tour CIBC Charles-Bruneau.
In January 2024, Rosalie's family's life was turned upside down. Following the announcement of her diagnosis of acute lymphoblastic leukemia, the young girl began chemotherapy treatments at the Charles-Bruneau Cancer Center at CHU Sainte-Justine. For Rosalie, this meant several changes in her daily life. She says that since starting treatment, she has had to put her life on hold and is eager to get back to normal. The good news is that after taking a year off from school, she has been back in class since January 2025. It was a relief for Rosalie to return to school, as she is passionate about all things intellectual, creative, and artistic.
Rosalie has many interests, but one thing is certain: she loves reading and the visual arts. Give her some pencils and she will invent a colorful story for you. She also loves animals and has three dachshunds: Nachos, Salsa, and Guacamole!
To watch her video, click here.
The young heroes and heroines of the Tour CIBC Charles-Bruneau remind us every day of the importance of research, support, and solidarity for children with cancer. Their presence and their testimonials infuse this collective adventure with a unique energy, transforming each pedal stroke into a gesture of hope. Through their stories, we realize that the Tour is much more than a sporting challenge: it is a true outpouring of generosity and humanity. Thank you to these young heroes and heroines for inspiring each of us to do our part for a brighter future.
To make a donation to the event: https://www.tourccb.ca/faire-un-don/
