“I never give up.” These simple, but powerful words are the foundation of Lise Fortin’s strength. The 78-year old Fortin—an ex-teacher, mother, grandmother and socially conscious woman—exudes a quiet courage that was forged by adversity and fed with an enduring compassion. Despite her unusual medical journey, Lise chooses to celebrate life every day, one day at a time.
One struggle after another
Since 1992, Lise has faced no less than ten cancers, dealing with breast cancer, melanoma, grueling treatments and agonizing waits. Her story is remarkable for the moments of great vulnerability, but also for her admirable resilience. “The sun comes out after the rain,” as she likes to say. However, when the cancer made an aggressive return in 2024, requiring major surgery, Lise did not falter. She battled on, carried by deep determination and faith in her attentive medical teams at the CHUM.
Putting others first
Lise Fortin is more than strength in the face of hardship: her life is also remarkable for her profound commitment to others. As a teacher, she passionately encouraged her students to value solidarity and helping others, even going so far as to organize visits to shut-ins so that awareness could be cultivated at an early age.
Even if she retired, her commitment has not waned. For more than 30 years, she has been a volunteer at community organizations, including the Hôtel-Dieu Hospital and the CHUM. Her contributions have been so precious, providing spiritual and logistical support, as well as coming in to rock newborns and do so much more for those in need. This exceptional devotion even earned her the Lieutenant Governor’s Medal—an honour she fully deserves.
Giving to make a difference
Lise has no intention of slowing down! Today, enriched by her experiences at the CHUM as both a patient and a volunteer, she wants to take it even further.
“The CHUM occupies a special place in my heart, we’ve given a lot to each other.”
More motivated than ever, she has chosen to support the Foundation in order to advance research and improve care, so that others, in turn, may face their medical journey with the same sense of hope.
