Danny Anderson and the ultimate commitment
Danny Anderson was above all a fighter—a compassionate man who left a lasting mark on the health of generations to come.
Danny’s legacy gift for the CHUM’s cardiology department was more than just a mere act of generosity—it was the ultimate commitment from a man whose life story is one of courage, determination and ambition. His decision to share a portion of his estate with the CHUM Foundation is a testament to his appreciation for the medical community and the support he received while he was ill.
Compassion
Danny was never one to lay down his arms in the face of adversity. After going to school for mechanical engineering, he continued studying and had a very successful career when, at 41, he achieved his childhood dream of becoming a professional airplane pilot. Over the course of his life, Danny was a model of integrity and loyalty. He was a faithful and constant person in love and in life.
Strength and courage
In 2012, at 52, Danny received a diagnosis of myelofibrosis, a cancer of the bone marrow that interferes with blood cell production. Danny’s health slowly worsened, and the disease put a premature end to his career as a pilot. His courage never faltered, even as he received nearly 300 transfusions during treatment, facing moments of great suffering with dignity and strength.
In 2019, Danny was up against the greatest challenge of his life when he fell into a coma, caused by a still‑unidentified bacteria. He underwent open-heart surgery at the CHUM, at the hands of Dr. Simon Maltese, and after a long recovery under the care of Dr. Pierre Laramée and his team, Danny decided that he wanted to show everyone that life is stronger than death and that he still had a fierce desire to live.
A donation in support of the CHUM’s cardiology department
Danny wanted to grow old with his wife, Sylvie Leduc. And even though Danny’s passed on, Sylvie helped make real his dream of leaving a legacy befitting his generous soul. Danny’s donation will be used to support the crucial work of health professionals in our hospital’s cardiology department.
To learn more about legacy gifts
