Read/View / Chain of Life Challenge
Some people’s commitment spans decades without ever losing its strength. Year after year, they continue to answer the call because they believe deeply in the cause they champion. Dr. Pierre Marsolais is one of those people.
Watch the video featuring our Honorary Chair and discover the deeply human message he shares with the public.
An internist and intensive care physician, Dr. Pierre Marsolais has been involved in organ donation in Quebec for more than 40 years. His expertise, humanity, and ability to explain sometimes complex medical realities with clarity have made him a leading figure in the field.
When a host is looking for someone who can speak about organ donation with both expertise and sensitivity, Dr. Marsolais is often the natural choice. Over the years, his voice has been heard on radio and television and in numerous public forums. Behind the respected physician is, above all, a deeply compassionate man who has witnessed firsthand the generosity of donors and the courage of their families.
Because he understands the profoundly human dimension of organ donation, Dr. Marsolais also wanted to make a difference beyond the walls of the hospital. Together with others, he co-founded the Mission du Dr Marsolais, a charitable organization that assists families of organ donors who are in need. These families agreed to think of other lives while they themselves were experiencing a moment of shock and profound grief. The Mission provides them with practical assistance, but it also conveys an essential message: their generosity, their ordeal, and the memory of their loved one will never be forgotten.
When Lucie Dumont, President and Founder of the organization, asked him to serve as Honorary Chair of the 2026 Chain of Life Challenge, his response came from the heart:
I felt deeply honoured. An invitation like that is simply impossible to turn down!
His response reflects the longstanding and valued relationship between Dr. Marsolais and Chain of Life. Since the very first edition of the Challenge in 2014, he has participated every year. He climbs mountains with us, supports our mission, and never misses an opportunity to meet with students and educators during school presentations.
Despite his many responsibilities, he is always generous with his time. For him, speaking with young people is never secondary. That is precisely where it all begins.
Dr. Marsolais sincerely believes in the power of education. Through the program, young people gain knowledge about organ and tissue donation. In the classroom, they ask questions, exchange viewpoints, and reflect on the issues surrounding donation and transplantation, as well as on their own values. This process allows them to form an informed opinion, which they can then share with their parents and loved ones.
They can also help dispel myths that remain widespread. Some people believe that their organs could not be donated because they are too old. Others worry that there may be hidden motives behind organ donation. Through what they learn in the classroom, young people can ask questions, open up dialogue, and help adults better understand the realities of organ donation.
Demystifying organ donation and educating families begins with young people who discover the Chain of Life program at school.
Demystifying organ donation and educating families begins with young people discovering the program at school.
As Chain of Life marks its 20th anniversary, his wish reflects the depth of his commitment: that the program be offered in every school across Quebec, and even beyond our borders.
Once you discover Chain of Life, you understand the full value of this program.
For our organization, welcoming Dr. Pierre Marsolais as Honorary Chair of the 2026 Challenge is an immense privilege. His presence by our side creates a bridge between the medical community, donor families, transplant recipients and people waiting for a transplant, educators, young people, and the broader public.
On October 17 and 18, answer his invitation: come climb a mountain with us, form a team, or make a donation to support Chain of Life’s educational mission.
Together, let us continue building this great chain of solidarity and help bring the program into more and more schools.
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