Running in Their Father’s Memory
On January 5, I received this message from the eldest son of one of our patients, who had passed away on New Year’s Day:
“My father André, my family, and I had the privilege of receiving your care and support at home during his final weeks. We were deeply moved by the quality, compassion, attentiveness, and kindness that characterize your work, and which brought light and comfort to André’s final days, especially during the holiday season. For that, we would first like to express our heartfelt gratitude.
My two brothers and I have committed to participating in the Ottawa Marathon in May 2026 in honour of our father, who completed it for the first time at the age of 65. We thought we would take this opportunity to raise funds among our family and friends in support of your organization.”
As a runner myself for more than 20 years, I was particularly touched by this message. It was the first time a fundraising initiative had come to me since I joined Aux trois sentiers as Communications and Philanthropy Advisor.
When I attended Mr. Provencher’s funeral, I told his three sons that I would be in Ottawa cheering them on as they crossed the finish line—and that I would take the opportunity to run a half marathon myself. My last one had been ten years ago, and it had been in Ottawa as well.
Early-season races are always a little more challenging because they require training through the winter months. I knew I would probably have very little time to prepare. I still had three courses to complete as part of my Certificate in Health and Social Services Management, not to mention an exceptionally busy first half of the year at Aux trois sentiers. Nevertheless, I was determined to do whatever it took to reach my goal.
André Provencher was a highly respected communications professional and man of letters in the literary and media worlds. He was also very active and enjoyed several sports to stay fit. Unfortunately, I never had the opportunity to meet him during his lifetime. However, having now met his wife Rachel, his three sons, and his extended family—and having read the hundreds of condolence messages shared in his memory—I can attest to the remarkable legacy he leaves behind.
His personality shines through in each of his sons. Paul, Bruno, and François share the positivity and determination of people who pursue their goals wholeheartedly. Their mother Rachel, energetic and warm, is a translator by training, just as I am, and has a wide range of interests. She did not hesitate for a second to participate in Urbania’s feature alongside her sons to speak about our organization and the impact it had on her husband’s end-of-life experience.
On May 23, we met at the marathon expo for a first photo session as the three brothers picked up their race bibs. I could sense Paul’s and François’s excitement as they prepared for their very first marathon.
The next morning, we managed to spot them among the thousands of runners gathered at the starting line at 7 a.m.
I then met up with my wonderful boss, Dr. Caroline Ouellet, who surprised me by coming to cheer us on in person. With every hotel in Ottawa booked months in advance, she made the round trip in a single day. Her gesture touched me deeply and gave me the extra boost of energy I needed before my own start at 9:30 a.m.
All in all, it was a beautiful race, even if the course was far hillier than in previous years. We ran through two stunning parks: Parc Saint-Jean-Bosco on the Gatineau side and Rockcliffe Park in Ottawa. I was neither too hot nor too cold—the advantage of running under grey skies and a light drizzle.
As the kilometres passed, I thought of each of my colleagues who had sent me encouraging messages. Around kilometre 17, a spectator held up a sign that read, “Smile, you’re not at work!” It made me laugh because, in my case, it was precisely a work-related initiative that had brought me there. If I needed another reminder of how much I love what I do, I got one.
I also thought about Paul, Bruno, and François’s father, who had died of cancer. I felt as though he was watching over us and giving us the strength we needed to finish the race. I also thought about my own father, who went through cancer treatment in 2024 and whom I am fortunate to still have in my life today.
A sign that I had managed my energy well throughout the 21.1 kilometres was that I still had enough left to sprint through the final stretch to the finish line.
Once I crossed it, I met up with my friend Marie-Josée, who had finished a few minutes ahead of me, my partner François, Caroline, as well as Rachel and her sons.
After a well-deserved break, we joined the Provencher family at their hotel for one last photo session and our final goodbyes.
It truly was a perfect weekend in every way. I feel privileged to have met such a generous and inspiring family, whose heartfelt initiative has meant so much to our organization.
A special thank you to Paul, who came up with the (slightly crazy) idea of running in memory of his father and who successfully convinced his two brothers to join him in the adventure. It was an initiative that brought many people together and had a meaningful impact on our organization. ♥
That weekend in Ottawa reminded me that support does not always end when someone dies. The bonds we build with patients and their loved ones sometimes continue in different ways—through memories, acts of generosity, and meaningful projects that carry a lasting impact. It is a tremendous privilege for our team to witness such generosity and to see families like the Provenchers transform their experience into hope for others. I leave this experience with a heart full of gratitude and deeply inspired by the Provencher family.
Photo Credit: François Perras
