Take on the Chain of Life Challenge at Ski Montcalm!

Hi,
My name is Beth Nacey and this is Libby Vélis. We are both English teachers for Secondary IV and V students at Collège de L’Assomption, where we have been teaching the Chain of Life Program for the past 13 years.

We chose to teach this important subject after hearing the story of Stéphanie Tapp, a student from L’Assomption. We thought to ourselves: “Wow, she could have been one of ours!”

We have also both been personally touched by organ donation. For Libby, it was when her 18-year-old cousin received a heart transplant. For Beth, it was through her nephew, who donated his organs and saved several lives.

Looking back, we realize that we have taught 1,872 students over these 13 years. That represents nearly 15,000 organs and tissues that could potentially be donated, simply because we chose to teach Chain of Life. Incredible, when you think about it!

Every year, some students tell us they have spoken about organ donation with their families, registered as donors, or want to learn more. These conversations are truly precious.

We are therefore very proud to be, today, the flag bearers for the upcoming Chain of Life Challenge, representing the Lanaudière region in support of education. Our role goes beyond teaching English: it is also about helping our students become responsible citizens. Opening the discussion about organ donation, encouraging young people to think, to take a stand, and to talk with their loved ones—that is what matters. Our goal is not to convince them, but to help them make an informed choice and to share it.

We dream of seeing Chain of Life taught to every student across Québec. It is an initiative that helps build a society that is more informed, more aware, and more united.

It is also one of the most selfless acts possible, and it changes lives every single day.
We invite you to climb with us on October 19th or to support our team with a donation, as we carry this message to the top of Mount Montcalm.

Beth Nacey and Libby Vélis
Proud Chain of Life teachers
Flag bearers – Lanaudière Region

Hi,
My name is Thomas Fragman, and I teach English as a second language to Secondary V students at Le Prélude School in Mascouche. I am a “young” teacher… starting in 1994!

I have been integrating Chain of Life into my teaching since 2008 when the program was just beginning to take shape. When Lucie Dumont put out a call for teachers willing to try out the unit, I raised my hand without hesitation. I discovered a theme that is both captivating and essential to teach. Bringing this program to my students gives me the feeling that I am passing on knowledge that is both enriching and fundamental. The Chain of Life activities carry a deeply human dimension that touches both the students and the teacher that I am.

I feel that I am making a difference and that my students, in turn, carry this message forward. Life is a gift, and we never know what the future holds. Having the opportunity to present Chain of Life is, for me, a true gift, a gift I offer my students. And I am convinced that it is the greatest gift I can give them in a school year. My reward is to see them fully engage in this theme and these activities.

I always look forward to addressing the topic of organ and tissue donation, because I know my students come out of it transformed. There is nothing more human than discussing issues that truly matter to them. In a world that needs it so much, fostering empathy and altruism is essential. Students take a keen interest, ask many questions, and the exchanges lead to fascinating discussions. With Chain of Life, we share powerful moments that go far beyond grades and academic skills. We talk about what really matters : life itself. This teaching also prompts my students to reflect and to take action: they become ambassadors of family discussion on this societal issue and agents of change, helping to build a true culture of donation and health in Quebec.

This year, I have the immense pride and honour of being a flag bearer for my region as part of the Chain of Life Challenge. I have been participating for several years now, and I have had the privilege of meeting incredible people: courageous, inspiring and profoundly human. The ascent of Mont Montcalm is highly symbolic: each person who climbs the mountain becomes a link in the chain. This chain, connected to Chain of Life, profoundly unites those who take part in it.

I deeply believe in the strength and capacity of young people to understand the importance of this subject. They want to act, to make a difference and to speak out on what matters to them. Our youth are generous and carry hope. Raising awareness among them through Chain of Life is without a doubt the greatest thing I have accomplished in my teaching career.
I invite you to climb alongside me or to support my team as we carry this message to the top of our mountain. It is a privilege and an honour that I wish to share with you.

Thomas Fragman
Motivated and passionate Chain of Life teacher
Flag bearer – Lanaudière Region

Coming soon