The 2015 Michel Paquette Prize awarded to Harold Gagné

Michel Paquette Prize

Montreal, September 17, 2015 — It is with great pleasure that the organization Living with cystic fibrosis handed over the Michel Paquette Prize To the journalist Harold Gagné, in order to highlight his important contribution to the cause of Organ donation and to a better knowledge of cystic fibrosis (CF) among the Quebec population, in particular thanks to his numerous reports on these subjects.

The coordinator of the organization, Tomy-Richard Leboeuf McGregor, indicated that Harold Gagné's application had quickly won the unanimous approval of the committee responsible for determining the 2015 recipient.

“For several months, Mr. Gagné's reports were seen and shared by thousands of people on social media. This was certainly not unrelated to the increase in the number of organ donations observed during this period. People were then much more aware of this essential issue, especially for people living with cystic fibrosis,” he said.

The Prize was officially awarded on 17 October 2015, during a special event celebrating the 30th Anniversary of Living with Cystic Fibrosis, held in Montreal.

The president of the organization, Charlène Blais, emphasized that Harold Gagné had been — and remained — an important partner for people living with cystic fibrosis, who had been transplanted or waiting for a transplant.

“We then highlighted its significant contribution to improving our quality of life. We were very happy to present him with this award and to count him among the unwavering allies of our cause,” she said.

Founded on October 17, 1985 under the name of Provincial Committee for Adults with Cystic Fibrosis (CPAFK), Living with cystic fibrosis aims to promote and promote the quality of life of people living with cystic fibrosis. Each year, the Michel Paquette Prize is given to a person or organization working in the field of cystic fibrosis.

This award was established in honor of Michel Paquette, former president of the CPAFK, whose dynamism and determination have greatly contributed to the growth and affirmation of the organization.

La cystic fibrosis is a hereditary disease that primarily affects the pulmonary and digestive systems due to dysfunction of the mucous glands. Although research has led to major advances, there was still no cure for the disease at that time. Symptoms usually appear early in life and affect, to varying degrees, the lungs, the digestive system, or both.

About the Michel Paquette Prize

Each year, the Michel Paquette Prize is awarded to a person — natural or legal — working in the field of cystic fibrosis. This award was established in honor of Michel Paquette, who served for several years as president of Living with cystic fibrosis.

Her dynamism and determination have contributed significantly to the growth of the organization and to the affirmation of its mission and its specificity.

History of the winners of the Michel Paquette Prize

• 2002 : Mr Marcel Barette (AQFK)
• 2003 : Madame France Paquet (CUSM)
• 2004 : Mrs. Francine Brosseau (CHUL)
• 2005 : Mrs. Diane Lalonde and Mr. Denis Mouton
• 2007 : Dr Michel Ruel
• 2008 : L'Air d'aller Foundation
• 2009 : Chambre des notaires du Québec
• 2010 : Dr. Alphonse Jeanneret (CHUM)
• 2012 : Dr. André Cantin (CHUS)
• 2013 : Mrs. Mylène Cloutier
• 2014 : Mr. Laval de Launière
• 2015 : Mr. Harold Gagné
• 2016 : Order of Nurses of Quebec (OIIQ)
• 2017 : Dr. Elias Matouk (MUHC)

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