Take on the Chain of Life Challenge at mont Lauzon!

Hello,
I'm Lieutenant Nicolas Desgagné, a police officer with the Sûreté du Québec for 20 years. I am an operations officer for the Sainte-Marie Service Centre.

My involvement with the Canadian Organ and Tissue Donors Association (CODA) began in March 2021 when I was asked to find someone reliable to take over for Captain Ghislain Harnois as coordinator of organ transports by SQ police officers in the region. I spoke to Sergeant Pier-A Paré and offered to share this responsibility.

We now alternate on a voluntary basis when an “ACDO” transport is needed. One of us answers the call to make sure the job gets done, or I do the transport myself. I “specialize” in last-minute transport...

I enjoy being part of the organ transport team because it reinforces my sense of civic responsibility to the community. In becoming a police officer, I chose a career dedicated to the protection and safety of others, and this type of volunteer work fits in perfectly with that. I find it extremely rewarding to be directly involved in actions that save lives!

I became a police officer because I wanted to help people and make a difference in their lives. Volunteering in support of organ donation is a natural extension of my motivation. My interest in improving the lives of others goes beyond my main job and is also expressed in my volunteer activities.

I'm Constable Mary Levasseur, a police investigator with the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) for over 13 years. I began my career in Montreal and quickly heard about CODA and the fact that members of the Quebec City detachment participated in this great cause as volunteers. In 2017, I had the privilege and pleasure to join the Québec City team. That's when I also officially became part of the Québec City detachment's team of CODA volunteers. The adventure had begun!

Like most police officers, I chose this profession because I want to be of service and protect my fellow man. Every day, while doing our job, we have the opportunity to make a difference, which isn't always tangible and concrete in the short term, so volunteering for CODA gives me that opportunity. 

I've lost count of the number of transports I've done since I joined in 2017, but I can tell you that every transport makes me proud to wear the RCMP uniform and even prouder to be part of this chain of life that helps so many people regain their health, smile again at life and even extend it.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank and congratulate everyone involved in this chain of life. Your devotion and time make a difference in people's lives. I'd also like to take this opportunity to thank our donors and their families because without them, none of this would be possible. Thank you so much!

I love challenges, I'm a project junkie! For me, climbing mountains is a way to push my limits, to feel alive and fulfilled.

Each transplant recipient or person waiting for an organ transplant has a challenge ahead of her or him that is even greater than climbing a mountain. And so, it is with great humility that I have accepted to be an emeritus climber for Chain of Life.

In 2019, I climbed Aconcagua in Argentina (6,962 m) and proudly carried the Chain of Life flag to the top. The great satisfaction I felt at reaching the summit and unfurling the flag reminds me that through the fruits of our efforts, we can achieve our goals.

Through the involvement of its volunteers, Chain of Life spares no effort to make a difference in the lives of many people.

It is with great joy that I will be climbing with you on October 15. 
I hope to see a lot of you there!

Martin Pagé
St-Hubert franchisee and mountain lover