For Jonathan Huberdeau, it’s the family name that counts. Even if he is now recognized through the National Hockey League, everything always brings him back to his clan. It was with this idea in mind that he donated $25,000 to the Cité de la Santé Foundation.
Posted yesterday at 8:16 p.m.
It was at this Laval hospital that Huberdeau was born in June 1993. It was also there that his brother Sébastien and his sister Josiane were born. It is especially there, unfortunately, that his mother Josée Blondin was followed to treat cancer. Disease that she fought for the first time in 2003, then a second time very recently, in 2021.
“For me, it was important,” explained Huberdeau in an interview with The Press. My mother made me realize this when she had cancer 19 years ago. When I was younger, it was less easy to realize this. When she had her other breast cancer, I realized how important it was. I knew I could make a difference. »
Jonathan is no Huberdeau in name. All his life, his parents have been there for him, his brother and his sister. Today, it’s his turn to return the favor.
The Foundation invited Florida Panthers star forward and his mother Josée Blondin to a visit on Tuesday, where the $25,000 donation and the commitment between Huberdeau and the Foundation was formalized. He didn’t just want to give money, he also wanted to meet the people he will help, be they patients or employees.
Photo taken from the Facebook page of the Cité de la santé Foundation
Jonathan Huberdeau at the City of Health in Laval
In the outdoor area, the Jérômien was generous with his time for the employees. The NHL’s No. 2 scorer must have taken more shots than he’s made points this season. Doctors, nurses, technical and support staff, security guards, everyone wanted their shot with the star.
Then, all the employees, without exception, went there with a “thank you, Jonathan”.
Especially since another sum of money will be donated to the Foundation on July 11, during the Jonathan Huberdeau golf tournament, to be held at Le Mirage golf club. A check whose amount will undoubtedly be very high.
The need to get involved
Huberdeau was then invited to visit the cancer wing of the hospital. Sector where nearly 600 people come for treatment daily.
The Cité de la Santé ranks second among the hospitals that treat the most people with cancer in Quebec. Huberdeau was accompanied by DD Marie-Andrée Fortin, radiation oncologist and co-manager of the Laval cancer program, Antoine Duperron, a former patient, and André Malacket, executive director of the Cité de la Santé Foundation.
Throughout the visit, he was at Mother’s side, never leaving her. He toured exam rooms, doctors’ offices and chemo spaces. Huberdeau was not there simply to make an appearance. He was interested and questioned each person who caught his eye and shook his hand.
Meanwhile, M.me Blondin witnessed the effect his son could have. Admiring and delighted, she knew that if he did it a little for others, he did it above all for her.
“I was very happy that he made a donation, in healthier. So much has happened over the past two years. He did it for me, but it’s not just me, there are people who are worse than me,” said Josée Blondin.
With family
When Huberdeau learned that the cancer had recurred, he was in Florida. Unfortunately, he could not come to his mother, due to the ravages of COVID-19. So it was his relatives here, in Quebec, and the hospital employees who took care of his mother and he is grateful for that. “My mother has always remained strong, but she has been in good hands here. She was surrounded by trusted people. »
Tuesday at the hospital visit, his uncle was also present. At the golf tournament, all his family and his closest friends will also come to tease the alleys of the Mirage. There was no other way to do things, he argues: “It’s always been like that. We are a close family. Our parents instilled good values in us. When we do things, we always do them together. We have a beautiful family, we are lucky. Everyone supports each other. I know everyone will be there at the golf tournament. »
The Huberdeaus have found a new family with the Cité de la Santé. A family that saved theirs. So Jonathan didn’t hesitate long before helping the Foundation. “It goes much further than the tournament, because having an ambassador like Jonathan is important. It adds to our outreach. To have an ambassador like him is exceptional,” added Mr. Malacket.
others first
Although the environment was not conducive to laughter, Huberdeau managed to make everyone he met smile. Despite the mask, the eyes speak. And they said thank you.
I just want to help. I will give as much time as I can to help people and the health field in general.
Jonathan Huberdeau
Mme Blondin isn’t too worried about it. She is sure that her son’s commitment will be beneficial: “I did radio 19 years ago and it wasn’t as precise, so it hurt more at the time and there were more limitations. The disease will always exist. The more money we raise, the more research we will do, the more equipment we will be able to buy and help staff. »
The visit ended with a ceremonial photo, where it all began, in the backyard. Check for $25,000 in hand, Huberdeau posed for the last time. When the usual greetings were over and everyone resumed their journey, Huberdeau’s mother hung up the DD Fortin, set back from everyone. She took a stack of her son’s hockey cards out of her purse.
“Give this to the patients, please.” It’s from Jonathan and us. »
“You don’t know how much it will make them happy,” replied the DD Fort.