Even at 58, Julie Tanguay had always been a woman on the go. This mother of two sons also spent nearly 30 years working as an elementary school teacher. She embraced her role in the classroom wholeheartedly, gladly helping generations of children to grow into their full potential. Outside of work, Julie was committed to an active, balanced lifestyle. Cross-country skiing, golf, long walks, cultural outings–she loved it all.
Julie led a rich, fulfilling and grounded life… until one fateful day.
A traumatic twist of fate that would change everything
December 2, 2022 is a date that Julie will never forget. That Friday started out just like any other. The weather was fine, there were parent-teacher interviews to get through at school, but it was almost the weekend. Within seconds, everything changed. Her eyesight blurred and then, a sudden, sharp pain flared in the head. Julie felt weak.
“I don’t feel well…” were the last words she spoke before fainting
Julie would only come to learn what happened next from the people who were there. The colleagues who quickly intervened, the arrival of the paramedics and being rushed to the emergency room, and then the diagnosis—a ruptured brain aneurysm.
Exceptional care from caring people
Specialized teams at the CHUM jumped to action as soon as she arrived. An initial procedure was performed to drain the blood that had accumulated in her skull, followed by a complex embolization procedure to treat the aneurysm, which was located in a hard-to-reach area. Julie spent nearly a month at the CHUM, including several weeks in the intensive care unit. During this crucial time, she received much more than just medical care.
“I was treated like a queen, with such kindness… by the entire staff.”
As Julie continued to heal and grow stronger, she was supported by a whole team of caregivers: neurosurgeons, nurses and specialists who watched over her every day.
One moment will remain etched in Julie’s memory forever: the day she stood back up on her own two feet.
Learning to live in the aftermath
Emerging from the cocoon of the hospital, Julie had to step bravely into the just as demanding next stage–that of adjusting to a new daily routine. Naturally, she tired more easily now, but Julie also had to accept that some of her cognitive abilities had changed, that her reality had changed.
Even as she was realizing how much her life had changed, she was not alone. The CHUM provided Julie with a much-needed safety net, making sure she stayed on track with medical follow-ups, rehabilitations, psychological support and the care of a pivot nurse.
“I never felt alone. It was reassuring to know that my care was being extended beyond surgery, and with such kindness.”
Julie continues to grow stronger today. Her life has changed, but she has found new strength by learning to listen to her body, to understand her limitations and to find freedom and joy in between. She still loves being in nature, spending time with loved ones and moving her body. And thanks to a trip to France with her partner, Julie learned that dreams still can come true. From this experience, Julie found unexpected grace:
“Something beautiful has come out of this experience, something truly wonderful. I received so much support and love during this difficult time. It moved me deeply.”
Giving back to make a difference
Today, Julie wants to give something back to the CHUM. The reason is simple:
Moved by the care she received, Julie is getting involved in her own way. In fact, her friends and family, who were also moved by her story, helped her to achieve this goal by organizing a fundraising event for the CHUM.
For Julie, supporting the CHUM Foundation means giving others that second chance at life.