PHA Canada :What pushed you to get involved with the HTAPQ? Dolorès Carrier: It goes back over 15 years! A friend of mine, Denis Cormier, invited me to be part of the first Board of Directors of the HTAPQ Foundation (Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension-Quebec). His daughter Isabelle, whom I had known since she was very young, lived with this condition. I wanted to help Isabelle, and her friends with this terrible disease that I didn't know much about at the time. I hoped to make a difference in their lives by giving them support and making them feel like they were no longer alone. PHA Canada: What are your fondest memories of your involvement with the HTAPQ? Dolorès Carrier: I have a lot of great memories! The numerous conferences I attended, where I met exceptional individuals, are etched in my memory by the confidence of those living with ph and their caregivers. The pleasures we shared, especially on the train trips to the conferences, in Ottawa and Toronto, are inexhaustible. I bonded with many people. Some have become close friends, despite the distance between us. Jules, my husband, and I will be happy to visit them when the opportunity arises. Over time, I attended, organized, participated in multiple conferences to learn more about the disease, research, psychological effects, etc. I can see the quality of care offered in Quebec's two centers specializing in pulmonary arterial hypertension. Outstanding, dedicated medical teams work tirelessly to improve the lives of their patients. Participating on the board of directors allowed me to meet talented people who gave or still give their time to support people affected by ph. I heard several great stories of resilience, courage and strength. I wanted to shed light on these people’s journeys to give hope to those who will be diagnosed and, at the same time, tell the story of the HTAPQ Foundation. On the 15th anniversary, I led a collective that enabled 35 people with pulmonary arterial hypertension to tell their stories to help others, and give them hope. This book entitled Vivre avec l’hypertension artérielle pulmonaire (Living with Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension) is available on the Foundation's website at www.htapquebec.ca. PHA Canada: What do you remember about your time with HTAPQ? Dolorès Carrier: Having been a Director, then Vice-President and finally President, I learned to trust myself and go beyond my limits. I have bonded with some great people who have helped me grow. Even though I am no longer on the Board of Directors, I am loyal to this great organization, and I continue to participate in fundraising campaigns. All these hours of volunteering have embellished my life, helped me develop myself, and I am very proud and satisfied with it. I wish everyone the good chance to get involved in a charitable organization. All of these experiences have made me grow! This phrase from Albert Schweitzer inspires me: "Every day do something for free for someone.” … Contribued by Dolorès Carrier former Administrator / Vice-President / President of HTAPQ, November 2021
PHA Canada :What pushed you to get involved with the HTAPQ? Dolorès Carrier: It goes back over 15 years! A friend of mine, Denis Cormier, invited me to be part of the first Board of Directors of the HTAPQ Foundation (Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension-Quebec). His daughter Isabelle, whom I had known since she was very young, lived with this condition. I wanted to help Isabelle, and her friends with this terrible disease that I didn't know much about at the time. I hoped to make a difference in their lives by giving them support and making them feel like they were no longer alone. PHA Canada: What are your fondest memories of your involvement with the HTAPQ? Dolorès Carrier: I have a lot of great memories! The numerous conferences I attended, where I met exceptional individuals, are etched in my memory by the confidence of those living with ph and their caregivers. The pleasures we shared, especially on the train trips to the conferences, in Ottawa and Toronto, are inexhaustible. I bonded with many people. Some have become close friends, despite the distance between us. Jules, my husband, and I will be happy to visit them when the opportunity arises. Over time, I attended, organized, participated in multiple conferences to learn more about the disease, research, psychological effects, etc. I can see the quality of care offered in Quebec's two centers specializing in pulmonary arterial hypertension. Outstanding, dedicated medical teams work tirelessly to improve the lives of their patients. Participating on the board of directors allowed me to meet talented people who gave or still give their time to support people affected by ph. I heard several great stories of resilience, courage and strength. I wanted to shed light on these people’s journeys to give hope to those who will be diagnosed and, at the same time, tell the story of the HTAPQ Foundation. On the 15th anniversary, I led a collective that enabled 35 people with pulmonary arterial hypertension to tell their stories to help others, and give them hope. This book entitled Vivre avec l’hypertension artérielle pulmonaire (Living with Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension) is available on the Foundation's website at www.htapquebec.ca. PHA Canada: What do you remember about your time with HTAPQ? Dolorès Carrier: Having been a Director, then Vice-President and finally President, I learned to trust myself and go beyond my limits. I have bonded with some great people who have helped me grow. Even though I am no longer on the Board of Directors, I am loyal to this great organization, and I continue to participate in fundraising campaigns. All these hours of volunteering have embellished my life, helped me develop myself, and I am very proud and satisfied with it. I wish everyone the good chance to get involved in a charitable organization. All of these experiences have made me grow! This phrase from Albert Schweitzer inspires me: "Every day do something for free for someone.” … Contribued by Dolorès Carrier former Administrator / Vice-President / President of HTAPQ, November 2021