After successfully raising $1.6 million for epilepsy research, the Fonds Édouard Boivin has set an ambitious new goal of $3 million to establish a new Chair in Pediatric Epilepsy Research in Quebec.
The creation of this Chair will secure the long-term future of epilepsy research at CHU Sainte-Justine. Its mission will be to develop new and more targeted strategies for prevention, diagnosis, and treatment, aiming to improve seizure control and enhance the quality of life for patients and their families, while also reducing the mortality rate among children with epilepsy.
Driving epilepsy research in Édouard’s honour
Approximately 30% of epilepsy cases in Quebec are refractory, meaning they don’t respond to currently available treatments. Édouard was one of such case. Despite the dedicated efforts of the staff at Sainte-Justine, Édouard tragically passed away from epilepsy at the age of 9.
In the wake of his death in 2021, Édouard’s parents, Laurence Gauvin Couture and Claude-André Boivin, were determined to help children facing similar challenges. Thus, the Fonds Édouard Boivin was established.
Growing beyond for advances in epilepsy treatment
Since its inception, the Fonds has raised $1.6 million, thanks to events like Le Défi Roule à fond as well as the generosity of the Boivin family’s support network, known as “Édouard’s village.” Although the Boivin family could have chosen to stop there, they decided to aim even higher.
On October 24, Édouard’s village gathered at CHU Sainte-Justine to celebrate the achievement of their initial target and to announce their ambitious new goal. With Édouard’s siblings, Léo and Charlotte, by their side, Laurence and Claude-André addressed the crowd, sharing their vision of a future without epilepsy:
“Our Chair will be a driving force for discovery, new approaches, and innovation that will improve epilepsy treatments and, perhaps one day, cure this disease that affects so many children and families. The generosity of our donors will not only save lives, but also give hope to those who need it most. Together, we’re making a difference and writing a new chapter in epilepsy research.”
Source : CHU Sainte-Justine Foundation
Contact :
Julie Veilleux, Director of Communications
514 345-4931, ext. 7958
jveilleux@fondationstejustine.org
