MONTREAL, Feb.18, 2015 /CNW Telbec/ - Astronaut and former president of the Canadian Space Agency Steve MacLean indulged in a few moments of happiness with children during a recent visit of the CHU Sainte-Justine, in Montreal.
Accompanied by some of his "space friends," the infamous Darth Vader and his storm troopers from the cult franchise Star Wars, the patron for the upcoming 7th National Conference to Defeat Cancer, presented by La Coalition Priorité Cancer au Québec, got to meet a large number of children and their parents, all of whom were impressed to shake hands with a real astronaut. Mr. MacLean seized the opportunity to sign autographs, take pictures and recount a few of his experiences in space, to the delight of his young audience.
His passage proved an emotion-rich afternoon, as nurses, health care attendants and doctors tagged along to greet Mr. MacLean and take a few shots of him and his cosmic retinue. All in all, the visit was a true moment of happiness for everyone present.
"I was very happy to be able to take some time to talk with those brave children. Their daily display of courage and motivation confronting their illness is nothing short of exemplary. When we're on a mission, us astronauts are willing to do all it takes and strive to ensure the success of our expedition so we come back down to Earth triumphant. Much the same way, in their mission to defeat cancer, those children are ready to do the impossible to come back home victorious. They are shining examples of determination and conviction," said Steve MacLean. "I always believed that one's attitude when faced with a difficult situation can often impact the end result. And seeing the way teams of health care workers take care of them, giving it their 200 % day in, day out, with humour and cheerfulness, well that just makes me all the more convinced."
At the children's request, Steve MacLean will be back to CHU Sainte-Justine, once more escorted by his companions from space, this coming March 16th to present a mini information conference on astronauts and life in space in the context of the "Children and Hospital Week," which will be held under the theme "Le voyage et la découverte de l'autre."
Astronaut Steve MacLean is the patron for the 7th National Conference to Defeat Cancer, set to take place April 9th and 10th in Montreal under the theme "Get involved in your health, invest in your community." He wants to send out the message that patients must take charge of their health, further insist on the preservation of the health and social services system, and become foreground partners.
The fight against cancer will only be won through the synergy of all involved: patients, survivors, natural caregivers, community- and volunteer organizations, and health professionals.
To sign up, to access the preliminary schedule, to view Steve MacLean's video or for information about the 7th National Conference to Defeat Cancer, please visit: www.conferencecancer.com
About the Coalition
Coalition Priorité Cancer au Québec was founded in 2001 to protect, support and give a strong voice to people affected by cancer (patients, survivors, informal caregivers, their families and their loved ones, as well as cancer-related community organizations and health professionals) and to help organize the fight against cancer. Because of the contribution of these organizations and members, the Coalition's membership represents close to 1.5 million people.
www.unevoixforte.com
Facebook page: CoalitionPrioriteCancerAuQuebec
Twitter: @CoalitionCancer
SOURCE Coalition Priorité Cancer au Québec
Image with caption: "With Darth Vader and his storm troopers from the franchise Star Wars, astronaut Steve MacLean, patron of the 7th National Conference to Defeat Cancer, presented by la Coalition Priorité Cancer au Québec, indulged in wonderful moments with children at the CHU Sainte-Justine, in Montreal. For additional information, www.conferencecancer.com (CNW Group/Coalition Priorité Cancer au Québec)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20150218_C6276_PHOTO_EN_12313.jpg
Sylvie Piché , 514 868-2009, ext. 225, [email protected]
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