I frequently accompanied my wife to the Quebec Cancer Foundation centre in the City of Quebec. As a cancer patient, she benefited from the support services of the Foundation. During one of our visits, a brochure about a charity trip caught my eye. Hikers were invited to walk a portion of the mythical Camino de Santiago pilgrimage route to raise funds for the Foundation.
 
A few weeks later, I lost my wife to cancer. So for her and for all of those who lost the battle, I decided to enrol in the next cohort of trekkers of Compostelle en tandem.
 
I urged my circle to encourage me in my adventure by sending donations to the Foundation. The idea of combining travel and a good cause appealed to me very much. I had a feeling a trip would do me a world of good, as it would for the men and women going through a difficult time.
 
I walked 20 kilometres a day over a 10-day period—200 kilometres across gorgeous landscapes while exchanging with fellow hikers affected by cancer directly or indirectly, and meeting pilgrims from all walks of life with varied individual quests. As the days went by, I found my own rhythm and pace. I stopped thinking about the actual movements to focus on the progress of my expedition instead.
 
This trip allowed me to find answers to my questions. I took stock of my life: what it was and what it would become. Compostelle en tandem gave me a chance to complete my grieving process. Over those 10 days, I paid homage to the memory and courage of my wife. And today, following this significant experience, I can continue on my journey.

Raymond Cloutier