Take on the Chain of Life Challenge at Le Relais!

Hi,
My name is Marie-Ève St-Pierre. I was a second language teacher for 15 years before becoming an English pedagogical consultant for the Centre de services scolaires des Navigateurs. What I have always loved about teaching languages is the ability to address any topic, and to see myself as a vector of change for my students.

In 2012, my life took a completely different turn. My second child was born with a heart malformation which, against all odds, became a life-threatening illness. The only solution was a heart transplant. With no preparation whatsoever, we were thrown into a world of tests, waiting lists, and a roller coaster of emotions.

Life smiled upon us. A month later, a perfect heart was found for our baby. Today, 12 years later, that heart is still giving her life.

Some time after the transplant, my commitment took shape. A friend told me about the Chain of Life organization. For me, it was obvious: a unique opportunity to bring together my two passions—education and organ donation—in order to give back what we had received.

For the past 10 years, I have been involved both as an educator and as a mother to raise awareness about Chain of Life. I helped organize the first training session in the Québec City region about ten years ago, I have shared our story at fairs and conferences, and I help organize the annual challenge in the greater Québec area. At every event, I witness the real impact of the organization. People come to tell us how Chain of Life has had a direct impact on their life or that of a loved one.

That is why I warmly invite you to come climb with us. Your participation truly makes a difference and contributes to a movement that saves lives.

See you soon!

Marie-Ève St-Pierre
Flag bearer – Capitale-Nationale Region

Hi,
My name is Dominique Lemieux and I have been teaching English as a Second Language for almost 20 years. I started my position at Roger-Comtois Secondary School (in Loretteville in our beautiful Capitale-Nationale) in 2019 Over the years, I have taught in several schools at various grade levels, including Secondary IV and V.

I am fortunate to teach a language and have the freedom to choose the themes we explore in class. For me, it is essential to select topics that will interest young people and help them become educated, open-minded citizens who are aware of the issues in the society in which they live. That is precisely why Chain of Life seems to me an essential part of a young person’s school curriculum.

I had the privilege of meeting Lucie Dumont quite early in my career and taking the Chain of Life training during my first years of teaching. I left with the “precious binder” filled with resources, along with the deep conviction that education remains the best way to dispel myths and false beliefs surrounding organ and tissue donation. I knew that, as a teacher, I could make a difference in my school community one student at a time. When I begin the unit with a new group of students, they are usually on guard at first, but very quickly, I see them become curious, ask questions, reflect on their own health, and appreciate all that their bodies do for them every day. They feel gratitude! Although death is not usually a common dinner-table topic, I encourage them to speak openly about their organ donation choices with their loved ones, and also to ask their family members how they feel about this subject. I give them the opportunity to use my class as a way to bring the topic to the table! Over the years, several students have come to see me at the end of class to proudly tell me they have signed their donor card, and that touches me deeply.

On a personal level, I told myself I could do more, and after receiving the Chain of Life training, I made my first blood donation and several more after that. This year, I have humbly accepted to be the Flag Bearer for my region as part of the Chain of Life Challenge. When I make the symbolic climb up Le Relais in October 2025, I will keep in mind the role I play in raising awareness and building values among our youth. My ultimate goal is to help build a society that is informed, caring, engaged, and above all, united because together we are stronger! Every gesture counts, every link in the chain makes a difference!

I invite you to join me in carrying this message all the way to the summit. Together, let’s make the Chain grow longer and recruit more links!

Dominique Lemieux 
Proud Chain of Life Teacher                                                
Flag bearer – Capitale-Nationale Region 

Coming soon