Tribute to informal caregivers - 5th Edition of the Pat Burns Award - Caring Hearts Shining Bright

MONTREAL, Oct. 29, 2015 /CNW Telbec/ - Coalition Priorité Cancer au Québec announces the opening of the nomination period for the 5^th Edition of the Pat Burns Award, which pays tribute annually to the dedication of those who, as informal caregivers, have distinguished themselves through their outstanding devotion to individuals with cancer.

Initiated by the Coalition and made possible thanks to its main partner, Celgene Inc., the Pat Burns Award offers rewards totalling $10,000, as well as several gifts associated with health and well-being. Registrations are done through www.prixpatburns.com.

"When faith makes you an informal caregiver, the Earth doesn't stop turning, but somehow, it slows down considerably while also turning much faster. The Pat Burns Award is the recognition we give to these caregivers who often work in the shadows; it brings their exceptional contribution to light," explains Mr. Jason Burns, Chairman and founder of the Award and son of the late Pat Burns, former coach of the Montreal Canadiens.

This year, the Pat Burns Award will shine brighter than ever with former Minister responsible for Seniors and communication specialist Marguerite Blais, patron of the 8^th National Conference to Defeat Cancer, who joins the voices of our spokespersons to highlight informal caregivers' role in the fight against cancer in Quebec. "From the moment my husband Jean-Guy was diagnosed with a brain tumor to the day he died in March of last year, life brought me to this role of caregiver, thrown into the battle and serene in spite of it, leading me through the whole scale of emotions in flat and minor key variations," says Marguerite Blais. "This experience made me realise once again how these caregivers, whom I simply call Caring Hearts, are truly exceptional people, courageous and compassionate, and so very important in the life of a critically-ill person."  

Marguerite Blais has long been campaigning for the recognition of informal caregivers. In 2007, as Minister responsible for Seniors, she introduced the annual National Caregivers' Week in Quebec. Since then, she has wanted greater recognition for them throughout the year. That is actually the reason why she wanted to share her personal experience.

Also back this year to promote this 5^th edition is Ale Dee, author-composer-performer of the Pat Burns Award theme song "Femme de ma vie" which he wrote for his cancer-stricken mother for whom he acts as informal caregiver.

The Pat Burns Award will be delivered during the 8^th National Conference to Defeat Cancer which is scheduled to take place April 14-15, 2016, in Montreal, under the patronage of Marguerite Blais. Informal caregiver nominations will be accepted via www.prixpatburns.com up to and including February 29, 2016.

About the Coalition Priorité Cancer au Québec

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. The Coalition supports the achievement of the mission of it's community and volunteer members and patients groups. Because of the contribution of these organizations and members, the Coalition's membership represents close to 1.5 million people.

SOURCE Coalition Priorité Cancer au Québec

Sylvie Piché, Communications Consultant, [phone], poste 225, [email protected]