40 years of solidarity, listening and action

A journey guided by people, supported by the community, focused on the future

Report on the annual general meeting and the cocktail reception on April 26, 2025

CONCERTO FOR A 40^E WITHOUT A FALSE NOTE

Written by Roger Clavet, edited by Gabrielle Phaneuf

When a non-profit organization turns 40, undoubtedly, it is because it has demonstrated its resilience, relevance and evolution.

Under the theme of a “Concerto for a 40th without a false note”, the event of April 26, 2025 took on the appearance of a great collective symphony. In a warm atmosphere, more than fifty guests gathered to celebrate this important milestone. On this occasion, members, partners, volunteers and friends were invited to highlight a journey marked by resilience, evolution and solidarity.

The annual general meeting

They arrive one by one, like guests at a family reunion. In a spring setting where floral patterns are in the spotlight, guests, volunteers, volunteers, partners, members and administrators meet at the Union Française de Montréal, at 429 rue Viger Est, on Saturday, April 26. For its 40th anniversary, Living with cystic fibrosis (VAFK) did it big.

Today's menu lives up to the occasion: general meeting, Election of a new board of directors, presentation of the activity report, Recognition award, Prints and, to make everything vibrate, the electrifying music of DJ Charley, powered by the non-profit company FKM.

At forty years old, VAFK is showing great maturity. This anniversary is not only a pretext for celebration: it also marks A moment of introspection And of Balance sheet of a relentless commitment to the service of adults living with cystic fibrosis, as well as those around them.

Harmony around a score

For the occasion, the coordinator Gabrielle Phaneuf Put on the clothes of a conductor, guiding with precision and dexterity a score rich in nuances. Each segment of the event flows smoothly, each actor finds his place, each note sounds right.

THEannual general meeting, masterfully managed by the president Miguel Moisan-Poisson, get the ball rolling. Les financial statements are presented clearly: the situation remains stable, but caution is required in an uncertain economic context.

Then comes the election of a new board of directors, combining experiences, skills and commitment. This new team is ready to face the challenges ahead and to pursue the organization's mission with passion.

The Activity report reveals a dense and fruitful year. Whether it's community services, financial aid fund, from the first Major golf tournament benefiting FK, actions by Communication, of Representation Or of development of partnerships, the teams were able to deliver a flawless performance.

Highlight: the magazine stand Health you well, which proudly displays the last three issues in print — a first! The public, accustomed to the digital format, is enthusiastically welcoming this tactile foray into the world of magazines. The feedback is more than positive.

No more serious things

Once the meeting is over, the pressure is back on. Make way for relaxation. The music of DJ Charley Set the tone: festive, lively, liberating. On stage, the Speeches follow one another, punctuated by emotion and gratitude.

Two Recognition award highlight the extraordinary dedication of volunteers who mark the organization.

The all new Laval de Launière Prize, established in honor of the founder of VAFK on the occasion of the 40th anniversary, is presented by the CEO Mario Bertrand To Charlène Blais, for his seven years as president, his unwavering commitment and his exemplary tenacity in serving the CF community.

And then, Jean-François Richard, president of the golf tournament, receives from the hands of Miguel Moisan-Poisson a iconic trophy, praising his remarkable commitment, efficiency and the energy he has brought to the organization over the past several years.

On a more solemn note, Miguel Moisan-Poisson recalls that the mission of VAFK can no longer be limited to only people living with cystic fibrosis. It is also necessary to support their families And their Relatives, so that the organization really listens to The whole FK community.

Finally, Anne-Marie Didier, representative of Pharmacies in Larrivière + Massicotte, loyal partners of the organization, took the floor to reiterate the company's commitment to the approximately 100 FK customers that it supports with dedication. In a context where pharmaceutical support is becoming rarer and more strategic, this testimony of loyalty is a major note.

A day in tune

Forty years of history, struggles, victories, resilience. And so many challenges to come. Nobody is thinking of giving up: tomorrow's challenges call for bold and united responses.

After the door prize draw, the Appetizers And the aperitifs shared in a friendly atmosphere, the guests disappear little by little, with a smile in their hearts, as if after a big concert.

The day went off without a hitch — much to the delight of the conductor. Gabrielle Phaneuf, by the maestro Mario Bertrand, by the choirmaster Miguel Moisan-Poisson, and of the entire team of Cystic Fibrosis Philharmonic Orchestra. A precious harmony, woven by dozens of volunteers, partners and members, and driven by a common passion: to live better, together, with cystic fibrosis.

To visit the souvenir photo gallery of the event on our Facebook album.

THE ROAD GOES ON, BEAUTIFUL AND LONG!

Looking back on 40 years of history

Founded in 1985 under the name of Provincial Committee for Adults with Cystic Fibrosis (CPAFK), the organization was created at a time when the life expectancy of people with cystic fibrosis barely exceeds 23 years. The CPAFK then set itself the mission of supporting adults with CF in their transition to a more independent and recognized life. Pioneers like Mario Gagné, Lise Tardif, Dora Dubé, Marc Fortin, Serge Benjamin And Laval de Launière laid the first stones of this mission.

In 2015, the CPAFK became Living with cystic fibrosis, expanding its mission to better reflect the reality of its members. The organization is developing its services, strengthening its partnerships and anchoring its presence in the FK community. In particular, it sets up the Healthy You Well magazine, an awareness-raising tool that will become iconic.

Over the years, the management has been renewed with outstanding leaders such as Laval de Launière (1985-2015), founder and pillar of the organization, and Tomy-Richard Leboeuf McGregor (2013-2015), an outstanding visionary and communicator.

Pandemics, structural transitions, social changes: VAFK has weathered each storm with the unwavering support of its members, volunteers and partners.

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