Endurance runner Patrick Michel will begin a four-day journey on Thursday where he will travel the 270 kilometers between Sainte-Justine Hospital and the CHU de Québec-Université Laval.
The Montrealer took on this colossal challenge to raise awareness and collect donations for young Malik Fontaine and his family. Since last February, the 4-year-old child has been undergoing treatment for acute lymphoblastic leukemia.
COURTESY OF MARTIN FONTAINE
The young Malik Fontaine, 4 years old, who suffers from acute lymphoblastic leukemia. PHOTO COURTESY OF MARTIN FONTAINE
However, this will not be the first time that Patrick Michel has carried out this type of event to help his neighbor. In 2019, he installed a treadmill on Van Horne Avenue and ran two marathons a day for 60 consecutive days. Funds raised helped a fellow Canadian pay for experimental treatment in the United States.
“I really liked the experience and I realized that I liked to invest my talent as a runner to help people,” explained the athlete, a few days before starting his journey.
Three years later, Patrick Michel learned that the toddler of two of his former colleagues was facing the disease. He therefore contacted them to offer his support.
“It’s my way of being able to help them! I want to draw attention to Malik’s case and help them make ends meet, in order to maintain a certain quality of life during their child’s treatment.”
“Also, when Malik grows up, he will be able to see how many people have taken his health to heart. In today’s world, we often think that no one is there to help us. Malik will always know that he was not alone and that there was a whole community around him in this ordeal.
Accept help
Martin Fontaine, Malik’s dad, was surprised and touched by the initiative of his former colleague.
COURTESY OF MARTIN FONTAINE
“When Patrick proposed his idea to us, I fell out of my chair. […] He told me that he took care of all the logistics and that I only had to take care of Malik,” he said.
The father of two children does not hide having been annoyed at the idea of receiving the help of Patrick Michel, but also of several other people.
“Initially, we had a fairly deep discomfort with crowdfunding. The request for donations was initiated by a very good friend, who did not mention it. She knew we wouldn’t have accepted.”
“I’m still uncomfortable with it, but the reality is that it helps us enormously, continued the resident of Lévis. You have to learn to accept people’s help. I am still surprised by the fundraising, but also by the help we have in our surroundings. We are so grateful.”
Martin Fontaine will also be part of the route between Montreal and Quebec, since he will follow Patrick Michel on his bike. He will take care of capturing images of the exploit.
“Patrick had to have someone follow him the whole way to make videos and photos. At the last minute, this person withdrew. When I saw that he was looking for a replacement, I raised my hand.
“I’m glad that door opened. I will be able to support Patrick.”
A special birthday
As he was organizing everything, Patrick Michel chose to make the distance between the two hospitals between August 25 and 28. He did not know that he would cross the finish line at the CHU de Québec-Université Laval on Malik’s fifth birthday.
“It’s a little birthday present,” said the dad. It means something to us. Patrick had no idea and he came across this date.
It will also be the first time that the runner has met the little boy.
You can learn more about this initiative and Malik’s story on unecoursepourunevie.com. The family also invites the runners to come and take part in the journey with Patrick Michel during his long journey. Malik’s big brother will run the last kilometer in particular with the one who invests his running talent to help others.