Pierre Lavoie keynote speaker for annual prayer breakfast
Pierre Lavoie, an athlete who has motivated tens of thousands of Quebecers to embrace a healthier lifestyle, is the keynote speaker at this year’s Fondation “À Dieu Va” breakfast. More than 400 guests, including Mayor Denis Coderre (currently running for reelection), are expected to attend the breakfast at the Plaza Centre-Ville EVO in Montreal, on the morning of Nov. 21. They will hear from Lavoie, a man known for his courage and determination, who has overcome devastating loss to become a leading figure for social change.
Organizers say the gathering of business leaders offers a unique opportunity for reflection, for discussion, and for a shared expression of faith. The breakfast was launched by J.-Robert Ouimet, one of Quebec’s most prominent executives.
The prayer breakfast is an annual tradition that dates back more than four decades in Montreal. It is an occasion to examine the role of spirituality, courage, and empathy — both in the home and in the corridors of power. Bishop Thomas Dowd, auxiliary bishop of Montreal, will preside over the Eucharist celebration before the breakfast, Coderre will say the Opening Prayer, business leader Paul Desmarais Jr. will present the Leader’s Prayer, and the Hon. L. Yves Fortier will provide a reading.
Over the years, the event has attracted a number of high-profile guest speakers, such as former Gov. Gen. David Johnston, former mayor Jean Drapeau, and astronaut James Irwin. In 1986, more than 2,000 people were on hand to hear from — and pray with — Mother Teresa.
“Every time I get involved in organizing and participating in this event, I hear from people who find the breakfast a great source of renewal,” said Gaston Sauvé, general manager of Fondation “À Dieu Va.”
“It is a time of silence, of listening, and a place to discover your inner strength.”
Lavoie, this year’s invited speaker, is an inspiration to many in the province and across Canada. He is recognized as a man of remarkable depth and resilience, who has emerged from despair to promote medical research, and motivate the province’s youth.
Lavoie’s family is from the Saguenay—Lac-St-Jean region of Quebec. This part of the province is particularly afflicted by a rare hereditary disease called lactic acidosis. In 1997, he lost his daughter Laurie to the disease. Three years later, the illness took the life of his two-year-old son, Raphaël.
“Many people in his position may have collapsed and become discouraged,” Sauvé said. “Instead, Pierre dedicated his time to organizing activities to raise funds for medical research, so doctors can gain a better understanding of this deadly illness.”
The year Raphaël was born, 10 other children in Saguenay—Lac-St-Jean were diagnosed with lactic acidosis at birth. Lavoie decided to fight back against a disease that was taking such a high toll on families in his home region.
His quest to find a cure for lactic acidosis began in 1999, with the first Défi Pierre Lavoie. The athlete raised money for medical research by cycling alone for a gruelling 650 kilometres in just 24 hours. His cycling feat was supported by people across the region who came out to cheer him on and offer donations. In the next three years, enough money was raised to fund a multidisciplinary team of researchers examining lactic acidosis at the Université du Québec à Chicoutimi.
Lavoie’s fundraising and dedication has led to groundbreaking medical advances in the understanding of lactic acidosis and new ways to minimize the risk of passing this disease on to the next generation. The gene responsible for the disease was identified in 2003, and a screening test for lactic acidosis is now available.
Lavoie is also a leading advocate for youth, encouraging young people to adopt a healthier lifestyle and combat obesity. He launched Le Grand défi Pierre Lavoie in 2008. From its beginnings at elementary schools, the project has grown in popularity across the province to include children from kindergarten to secondary grades. The students take part in a range of fitness activities during the month of May.
Lavoie has been recognized for his achievements with a number of awards, including a Medal of Honour from Quebec’s National Assembly, the Gold Medal of Merit from Quebec school boards, and a Meritorious Service Medal from the Governor General of Canada.
For more information about Le Grand Déjeuner Fraternité et Prière, visit http://www.fraterniteetpriere.org/. Tickets cost $85, and $50 for students.