Take on the Chain of Life Challenge in Lantignié

Hi
My name is Catherine Jolivet. My husband and I are co-presidents of Al.é.lavie, “Alexis, an energy for life.” We founded the association in memory of our son Alexis, who died on May 9, 2015, and donated organs to six people. Al.é.lavie has also created a support group led by professionals, including a psychologist and an intensive care physician, for families who may feel at a loss after their loved one’s organs have been donated.

I am also a teacher in France. I first crossed paths with Lucie Dumont online, through social media. We later met in person in Montréal during the filming of the documentary Passeurs de vies, which includes a Chaîne de vie educational activity held at a Montréal high school.

In France, a movement is growing to promote organ donation. Many towns and cities have become ambassadors for organ donation, and pharmacies, businesses and sports clubs are joining them. Their message is: “Tell your loved ones.” The idea is to talk with your family about your wishes before a fatal accident occurs and leaves those closest to you in shock.

But to talk about your wishes, you first need to be educated about organ donation. Many people in France are unfamiliar with the realities and complexities of the organ donation process. A decision about donation involves more than a simple “yes” or “no” that the deceased may have expressed during their lifetime. It arises in particular circumstances, within a family’s history, at a moment of intense emotion.

That is why it means so much to us to take part in the Défi Chaîne de vie again this year, as we celebrate 20 years of Chain of Life’s educational mission.

We hope this educational program will reach other parts of the world and, of course, France.
Catherine Jolivet,