I met Étienne thanks to Leucan, a Quebec organization that helps children with cancer.

Etienne is 13 years old. He suffers from acute lymphoblastic leukemia. Everything was fine in his life until May 2021. Playing at Pee-Wee AA level for Les Étoiles du St-Laurent, he led a normal life for a boy his age.

Unfortunately, after a series of symptoms, the terrible news came. Since then, Étienne has fought a brave battle against the disease. Chemotherapy, physical therapy, testing, care and treatment, he shows remarkable courage to win his fight.

His mother told me that her son’s attitude was beyond reproach. His condition remains precarious, but what keeps him motivated and determined is hockey.

Étienne loves our national sport. He follows everything and observes everything. He also collects hockey jerseys and attends several games.

To reward him for his tireless efforts, I took Étienne to a Habs training session and met the players in the team’s dressing room.

We did that in Brossard on Monday morning. Although he was in poor health, Étienne found the energy to leave the Ste-Justine Hospital and come to see me with his mother, Isabelle.

This allowed him to meet the Canadian players who were generous, thoughtful and very sincere towards him. He could take photos, get autographs and chat with the players.

Étienne was particularly looking forward to meeting his favorite player, Cole Caufield. Head coach Martin St-Louis also wanted to greet him.

The Canadiens organization, led by Geneviève Paquette and Chantal Machabée, did everything to ensure that Étienne had an unforgettable time.

He shows exceptional determination. His next goals are to get healthy again, play ice hockey again and start studying medicine.

We’re all behind you, Etienne.

Much luck.