Every year, the Heroes and Heroines of the Coupe Charles-Bruneau in Montreal give a face and a voice to the cause that brings together hundreds of participants: advancing research on pediatric cancers. For the 2026 edition, Loïk and Rafaël, Amilia, and Frédéric will share their stories and a glimpse into their journeys. Diagnoses, treatments, lives turned upside down—but also a return to their passions and the progress made possible by research: meet the young people who will be at the heart of this day of action on September 26.
Loïk and Rafaël
For Loïk and Rafaël, being brothers means playing together, sharing a passion for hockey and baseball, but above all, looking out for one another. When asked what a hero is, they don’t have to look far: for Loïk, it’s Rafaël. For Rafaël, it’s Loïk.
Their story took a major turn in February 2023, when they were 4 and 6 years old. Loïk was diagnosed with stage 4 Hodgkin’s lymphoma and began treatment at the Charles-Bruneau Cancer Center at CHU Sainte-Justine. The months that followed were marked by hospital visits, treatments, and absences from school. Hockey, baseball, and travel also had to be put on hold. Among the moments that left a particularly strong impression on him, Loïk especially remembers having the dressing changed on his PICC line.
But Loïk’s diagnosis would also have significant repercussions for his brother. During his medical journey, a genetic disorder was identified. This led to genomic testing for the entire family. As a result, a predisposition to cancer was discovered in Rafaël. According to their family, this discovery helped them learn more about Rafaël’s condition, and in the fall of 2024, he, in turn, began a major course of treatment. Both brothers will eventually receive transplants. Their family sums up the significance of what was discovered through Loïk’s journey and research as follows: “Following Loïk’s diagnosis, Rafaël was able to receive his transplant as well. ”
Their story thus illustrates in a very concrete way why research on pediatric cancers is essential. A better understanding of these diseases, their genetics, and the unique characteristics of each child can help guide care and offer more tailored treatments. Loïk and Rafaël have, in fact, benefited from research throughout their treatment journeys. For their parents, the Charles-Bruneau Foundation represents, above all, the opportunity to “quickly understand and learn about this disease” and to access the care their boys needed.
Today, both brothers have completed their treatments. They’ve resumed playing sports and regained some of the daily life they’d missed so much. Loïk now dreams of returning to Costa Rica, while Rafaël, a goalie and big fan of Carey Price, dreams of one day playing in the NHL. And when they think about everything they’ve been through, both say they’re especially proud to have made it through their transplants and treatments.
At the Coupe Charles-Bruneau in Montreal, Loïk and Rafaël will be “Heroes Together.” Their story reminds us that behind every breakthrough in research lies the potential to better understand, better treat, and tangibly change the course of care for a child—and sometimes even for a sibling.
And to the people who make these breakthroughs possible through their support, the boys have a simple message: “A big thank you. Thanks to you, we were able to have our transplant.”
Watch their presentation video: click here.
Amilia
Amilia is an 11-year-old girl who is bright and full of life. She loves doing crafts, drawing, playing Skip-Bo, and—most of all—dancing with her friends. At school, art and math are among her favorite subjects.
In April 2025, her life was turned upside down when she was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia. Just as she was about to head to her dance class, medical test results led her family to the Montreal Children’s Hospital instead, where she has since been monitored and treated. Her treatments have forced her to put school, travel, and dance on hold, and to spend a lot of time away from her friends.
Her journey has also been marked by a serious complication. Following chemotherapy, Amilia developed severe pancreatitis that caused necrosis of her pancreas, and she now lives with type 1 diabetes. This reality underscores the critical importance of advancing research into pediatric cancers—not only to develop increasingly effective treatments but also to better understand and reduce their short- and long-term effects.
Amilia, who is still undergoing treatment today, takes each day as it comes, surrounded by her family and friends. Her biggest dream? To go to Italy. And if she could choose a superpower, she’d like to be able to stop time.
For her family, the Charles-Bruneau Foundation represents the very possibility of advancing science for children diagnosed with cancer.
By participating in the Coupe Charles-Bruneau in Montreal, each team helps support this research and improve the treatments available to children like Amilia.
And to everyone who chooses to get involved, Amilia has a few words that simply sum up why this effort matters: “Thank you for helping children like me!”
Watch her introductory video: click here.
Frédéric
Ball hockey, badminton, swimming, spinning: at 14, Frédéric is a true sports enthusiast. And he doesn’t plan on stopping there. He dreams of becoming a professional athlete and would now like to try ice hockey. This desire to stay active takes on a very special meaning after the past few months he’s been through.
On April 28, 2025, Frédéric was diagnosed with Ewing’s sarcoma. Overnight, school, his youth sports team, and his many athletic activities had to be put on hold to make way for treatment at the Charles-Bruneau Cancer Center at CHU Sainte-Justine. One of the hardest parts for him was no longer being able to go outside and losing some of his independence.
Now in remission, Frédéric can look back on his journey with immense pride. When asked what he’s most proud of, his answer is straightforward: “Surviving cancer.” His family describes him as a determined young man who doesn’t give up once he has a goal in mind.
His story also highlights the vital role of research in the journey of children diagnosed with cancer. Frédéric himself benefited from a research project during his treatment: the VIE Project. This research project aims to prevent the long-term effects of treatment by promoting physical and psychological well-being. Behind the scientific advances supported by the Charles-Bruneau Foundation are young people like him, who can benefit from knowledge, protocols, and treatments that continue to evolve.
This is precisely what the Coupe Charles-Bruneau in Montreal helps support: advancing research on pediatric cancers to improve treatments and the care journey for children throughout Quebec.
For Frédéric, a hero is “someone who helps their community.” A definition that takes on its full meaning when he speaks directly to those who choose to get involved: “Thank you for getting involved; it makes a difference in patients’ lives.”
Watch his video presentation: click here.
On September 26, Loïk, Rafaël, Amilia, and Frédéric will be much more than just the heroes and heroine of the Coupe Charles-Bruneau in Montreal. They will be at the heart of the cause that brings us together. Their stories underscore the importance of continuing to advance research in order to improve treatments, reduce their side effects, and transform the care journey for children diagnosed with cancer. Every team, every donation, and every action taken during the Coupe helps advance this research. Together, toward a childhood free of cancer.
