Frédéric B.

Profile and story

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 event 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.” This definition 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.”