Her artistic voice resonates with audiences across Quebec, while her authenticity makes her a prominent cultural figure. And behind each role lies an inner world and personal stories that are often kept hidden from view.
An adolescence affected by the reality of cancer
Léane was 13 when her mother, Fabienne Dor, was diagnosed with lung cancer. For more than two years, the disease disrupted their family life, changed everything they knew and forced Léane to grow up faster than expected.
The family’s daily life was disrupted, with everyone taking on new roles. Quietly, almost without noticing, Léane became a caregiver. But there wasn’t a process or a user guide to follow. Léane had to navigate the unknown, trying to keep going while still living the life of a teenager in high school.
“I shaved my mom’s hair, I spent a lot of time with her, I gave her her medications, and I went to some of her treatments,” Léane tells us.
I became a caregiver without even realizing it. For me, it was just the natural thing to do, just like for my brother and my father. It was not caregiving; it was love.
When the cancer spread to her mother’s brain, Léane understood that she didn't have a lot more time. Saying goodbye to her mother at the age of 16 left a deep scar but, with time, she chose to remember the strength and love that marked those years, instead of suffering.
I was given intimate access to her fears, her pain and all the experiences that make up life. Despite the heartache, I am grateful for the moments I shared with my mother.
Cancer didn’t occur just once in Léane’s life. Friends, loved ones and even both of her grandfathers were also diagnosed with cancer. This experience shaped her perspective on the fragility of life and the importance of support. Today, her experience comes through in her humour and her sincere desire to support a cause that touches so many lives.
Turning pain into hope by becoming a lead ambassador
Drawing on her personal experience, Léane chose to get involved as the lead ambassador for the Canadian Cancer Society. Through this role, she aims to contribute to the organization’s mission, especially in research and access to care, while offering support to those who are experiencing what she has gone through.
“My aim is to support the Canadian Cancer Society’s mission and help offer support, hope and comfort to anyone who is affected by the disease.” The care and technologies available at the time of her mother’s diagnosis were far from what we have today. Since then, science has made remarkable strides, and Léane sees this as a source of hope.
In the early 2000s, treatments and chances of survival were very different. Twenty years later, I can see how much science and medicine have advanced and it fills me with optimism.
A call to work together
Léane reminds us that behind every donation, lives are being changed. Thanks to research and support, it is possible to offer more precious moments to those who need it most.
“There are so many valuable services to support a loved one affected by cancer. I wasn’t aware of it when I was caring for my mother and now it is my mission to let others know about them. I’m convinced they would have been extremely helpful during that difficult time years ago. Helping and supporting each other, having community, listening… it changes everything. I want to shine a light on these services and promote them to everyone who may be affected by the disease.”
Donate to the Canadian Cancer Society to give people affected by cancer more precious moments with their loved ones.
Join Léane and help us save and improve lives in Quebec.
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