For the past 2 years, the doctors have been looking for reasons why Valérie’s health was deteriorating rapidly. In March 2020, 4 days before the pandemic, the diagnosis was established. After eliminating several diseases, the doctors concluded that the diagnosis was Multiple System Atrophy, a very rare disease better known by its acronym MSA. Valérie is a mother who is very involved in many causes in my community. She was the first woman to become president of the Corporation des thanatologues du Québec. She always worked more than 50 hours a week as a funeral director and has completed a university degree. Now, all that has changed, she is unable to remain active for long. Her life has changed significantly.
Speaking about her condition, Valérie explained: « I don’t know how much time I have left to live. As I said, there will be no miracle for me, but I will and want to help others. If I can help one person, one spouse, one child, my life goals will be achieved. »
André Garneau, 1948-2020: Advocate of l’AMS/MSA
André is Valérie’s uncle. Close to her father since childhood, he has always been very connected to his family. He passed away on September 11, 2020, of a cardiac arrest. The wife and children of this airforce veteran decided, in his memory, to support the foundation fighting MSA to help his niece. André would have wished for research to continue and a drug to be found to help conquer this horrible disease.