An article on Anna Lemay and Chain of Life in Journal Le Nord

We extend our warmest thanks to journalist Luc Robert from Journal Le Nord for his wonderful article published on November 11, 2025. With great sensitivity and accuracy, he highlights the courage of Anna Lemay, from Polyvalente de Saint-Jérôme, as well as the exceptional mobilization of 115 students and 5 teachers who climbed Mont-Tremblant as part of the Chain of Life Challenge.

Article Summary

In October, despite her visual impairment, Anna Lemay took on the immense challenge of climbing Mont-Tremblant to help raise awareness about the importance of educating youth on organ and tissue donation. Supported by her classmates and by teacher Dora Aczél Bastien, she persevered to honour those waiting for a transplant, delivering a message of hope and resilience.

Present at the event, Lucie Dumont, President and Founder of Chain of Life, bears witness to the inspiring commitment of young people who, year after year, show their ability to “move mountains.” The article also reminds readers of the importance of educating youth and continuing awareness efforts around organ donation in Quebec.

Read the full article by Luc Robert.

At the summit of Mont-Tremblant, Anna, our courageous visually impaired student, pauses to take a well-deserved break after a demanding three-hour climb. As her teachers welcome her and take the time to congratulate her for the incredible role she played throughout the ascent: lifting the spirits of her classmates, cheering them on, and helping them find the strength to keep going when the climb felt overwhelming.

In this quiet, heartfelt moment, Anna shares how she pushed through her own discomfort:
“When I didn’t know how I would finish, I tried not to think about the pain. I told myself: even if it hurts, you can’t give up. No one can help you in the middle of the mountain you have to keep going up.”

Her teachers, moved by her resilience and compassion, tell her she has all their admiration.

Anna’s message, simple, brave, and deeply human, reflects the essence of the Chain of Life Program: students don’t just learn about the journey of waiting for an organ transplant, they experience the climb, step by step, and reflect on the courage, determination, and hope of those waiting for a second chance at life.