Taking action for her health! A call to mobilize for women's health.

"With this fund, we truly have a comprehensive vision for women's health. Yes, there are gynecological and hormonal issues, but also chronic, neurological, and cardiovascular diseases that manifest differently in women. There's a significant knowledge gap to fill through research and a lot of misinformation to counteract, all to better empower women, no matter what stage of life they are in," explains Dr. Sophie Desindes, Head of the Obstetrics and Gynecology Department at CIUSSS de l’Estrie – CHUS and initiator of the Women's Health Fund. 

The CHUS Foundation aims to inspire change and hope. "Women's health has been more prominent than ever in the news in recent weeks, and the CHUS Foundation is joining the movement to concretely contribute to improving knowledge and increasing access to care for women in our region," explains Martin Clermont, Executive Director of the CHUS Foundation.   

"At CIUSSS de l’Estrie – CHUS, whether in clinical practice or research, we have the expertise and dedicated teams to meet women's health needs. This fund is a powerful lever to accelerate research and provide more personalized, adapted, and human-centered care. It ensures that every woman feels heard and fully supported," adds Annie Boisvert, Assistant President and CEO of CIUSSS de l’Estrie – CHUS.  

Chantal Lacroix, the perfect spokesperson! 

The CHUS Foundation is proud to count on host and businesswoman Chantal Lacroix, who has generously accepted the role of spokesperson for the Women's Health Fund. "I have always been committed to contributing to people's well-being, especially that of women," she says. "When you live with pain, and you don't know its cause or what the solutions are, your mental health is also affected. I've been through it myself, and that's why I feel it's important to get involved with the Fund. I hope that women's health becomes a collective priority," declares Chantal Lacroix, who recently moved to the Estrie region.  

Committed Women

Several businesswomen in the region have decided to join the movement to mobilize the philanthropic community, including Nathalie Gagnon, co-owner of Remises Gagnon. "I've seen too many women around me fight in silence, face diagnoses, fears, and life-altering challenges. We cannot stand idly by when we know these realities. I'm doing this for the future, for my children, for my grandchildren, and for all those who deserve to hope for a fairer, more supported, and healthier future."

Throughout this campaign, several CHUS patients are also acting as ambassadors by sharing their stories. Sherbrooke city councillor Annie Faucher is determined to do her part, as she battles breast cancer for the second time in 13 years. "If I can be someone who shines a light on this cause, it's a positive message I want to send above all, especially to women who are going through the same situation as me!"