Mission accomplished! Aconcagua climb raises funds for epilepsy research
Dr. Bouthillier and CHUM nurse Isabelle Tremblay on the Aconcagua summit
Montreal, January 27, 2010 – Dr. Alain Bouthillier has made it to the top! On Saturday, January 23, he reached the summit of Mount Aconcagua. At 6,962 metres (22,814 feet), Aconcagua is the highest peak in the Americas. The climb was undertaken to increase public awareness about epilepsy and provide better care for patients stricken by the condition. It’s been a success at every stage, with many thousands of dollars already committed in a fundraising campaign organized jointly with the Fondation du CHUM. We will announce the campaign’s final results after Dr. Bouthillier returns home. In the meantime, fundraising continues. You can continue to support Dr. Bouthillier’s efforts by making an online donation.
Dr. Bouthillier, a neurosurgeon, is a member of the team that’s dedicated to the treatment of epilepsy at the CHUM. The Groupe d’épilepsie du CHUM is one of the leading groups of clinicians and healthcare professionals in Quebec dedicated to treating those stricken by epilepsy. The team includes neurosurgeons with specialization in surgery for epilepsy, neuroradiologists, neuropsychologists, a neuropsychiatrist, electrophysiology technicians, nurse clinicians and research nurses.
What is epilepsy?
Epilepsy is a neurological condition characterized by recurrent unprovoked seizures caused by excessive electrical discharges in a group of cells in the brain. In Quebec, it is estimated that approximately 70,000 people suffer from epilepsy. Even today epilepsy remains a cause of fear, misunderstanding, and social discrimination.
Watch the video of Dr. Bouthillier and CHUM nurse Isabelle Tremblay at the Aconcagua summit.
Read all about this expedition
Find out more about the Groupe d’épilepsie du CHUM