We’ve been telling you about it since the spring, and at the end of last week, the Marche du Grand défoulement finally got under way in Montreal, Quebec City and Trois-Rivières.

More than 700 people gathered with us to show their support for the thousands of Quebecers who have to deal with cancer every day.

Their generosity was limitless! We amassed the impressive sum of over $116,000! 
 
The program for these three beautiful days was packed with a succession of games, music, speeches – even massages! And of course, we walked! For three beautiful days, we shared the joy of living!
 
"I'm surprised and overwhelmed by your participation and your donations! I never thought so many would turn out and I can't even begin to tell you how deeply touched I feel. And to think that there are people dealing with cancer who don't even have five people to rely on... It is for people like them that I wanted to do this walk, to offer them a little hope. Because even if your life is difficult, the Foundation is there for you, to listen to you as you empty out your heart!" This was a testimonial by Marie-Eve, a participant in the Marche du Grand défoulement.
 
In Montreal, 300 walkers assembled in La Fontaine Park around Geneviève Simard, ambassador and former beneficiary of the Foundation. The participants who braved the scorching temperatures were able to collect $62,500!  
In Quebec City, the 200 participants raised more than $25,000. The emotion-filled event started off the city's Pointe-aux-Lièvres park. The walkers enjoyed a twilight journey along the paths lining the shores of the St. Charles River.
   
At Trois-Rivières last Sunday, racing drivers Jean-François and Louis Philippe Dumoulin officiated as Honorary Presidents of the Marche du Grand défoulement, along with two ambassadors and former beneficiaries of the Foundation, Mireille Tremblay and Marlene Prince. $29,000 was raised and 200 participants walked the paths of Pie-XII Park.  
Whether in Montreal, Quebec or Trois-Rivières, the Foundation has enjoyed the support of its prestigious partners: Desjardins, Bristol-Myers Squibb Canada, Cogeco Media, Caisse Desjardins de Lévis, Percu-Dance Studio, PPS Canada and Brault & Bouthillier. To all of these, we say, thank you!

And thanks to all of you for contributing, each in your own way, to supporting the thousands of Quebecers affected by cancer!
 
What a wonderful time we’ve had with you in this celebration of life!
 
Stay tuned for upcoming events: walks are also planned for Gatineau, Granby and Rouyn-Noranda and there is still time to register!