In three weeks it will be eight months since Guy Lafleur left us. Your family members go through what all people go through when they lose a loved one. Guy’s memory is still very strong. It’s like he’s still there.
“It seems we don’t see it,” says his eldest son, Martin.
“I wake up again with the impression that he’s going to call us. I can’t seem to get it into my head. »
But that is the sad reality.
keep hope
Lafleur was swept away by lung cancer, which he battled for more than two years.
In March 2021, he gave his name to a fund associated with the Fondation du Center hospitalier de l’Université de Montréal (CHUM) to raise funds for research.
To date, the Guy Lafleur fund has raised between $1.5 million and $1.6 million. Every dollar is worth its weight in gold for a cause like this.
Research is important.
It’s a great way to create and sustain hope in the face of the scourge of cancer.
Every second Quebecer is affected
Science is making significant advances.
Cancer is no longer necessarily deadly. Some forms are treatable. Patients return to normal life.
This is one of the reasons that motivated Martin Lafleur to continue his father’s work.
“I don’t have his notoriety,” he continues modestly.
“But I’m so proud and so happy to get involved and do my part. This matter is close to my heart.
“Cancer affects everyone, both children and adults. In Quebec, every second person is affected (figure from CHUM). We can never do enough to beat this disease. »
Advertisement with his daughter
From next week until the end of December there will be a commercial with Martin and his daughter Sienna-Rose, who will be five years old in February, as part of the “Together Against Cancer” campaign on television.
The little one did well.
“She was quite comfortable during the shoot,” says Martin.
“The bond between her and my father was strong. She was the first girl to come into a family of men.
“We took them to the Bell Center for Tuesday’s game (against the San Jose Sharks). She was wearing her Canadiens jersey. She looked at pictures of my father and was very aware of what he represented. »
Meanwhile, Guy’s spouse is mourning privately. Lise doesn’t seek the limelight.
“It’s not easy, but she’s doing well given the circumstances,” said her son.
“She spent almost 50 years of her life with him. She has to learn to live alone again and take care of herself.
“She has company too. She is well surrounded by her sister and her friends. »
precious moments
For his part, Martin can count on the support of his wife Angelica and the stimulating presence of his daughter, who reminds him of the beauties in life.
“Grief is experienced differently by everyone,” he continues.
“I had the chance to work with my father at Anciens Canadiens for eight years. I took care of his contract negotiations. Few people take advantage of such an opportunity.
“I am delighted to be involved in his foundation. For me it’s a way of thinking about him and doing what I can to make up for his great loss. »
►You can make an online donation by clicking on Guy Lafleur Fund on the Fondation du CHUM website or by making a quick donation of $10 by mobile phone by texting the word Guy to 41010.
