A real estate entrepreneur, nature enthusiast and devoted family man, Michel Maurice never expected to find himself fighting for every breath just a few years into retirement.
After a 27-year career in aviation, Michel took early retirement at the age of 54. He then dedicated himself to developing real estate projects in the Laurentians, something he had always been passionate about. While building a garage with his son, he noticed the first alarming signs of shortness of breath.
At first, Michel suspected he was experiencing a heart problem. But in December 2022, after undergoing several tests, he received a devastating diagnosis: severe pulmonary fibrosis, an incurable degenerative disease that progressively destroys the lungs. When a specialist explained the seriousness of his condition, there was no question of surrender… Michel was determined to fight.
“Instead of collapsing into my chair, I leaned forward and asked, ‘Where do we start?’”
Putting his trust in the CHUM team
Michel was immediately referred to the CHUM, where he began close follow-up care with the lung transplant team. Despite treatment, the disease progressed rapidly—his lung capacity dropped from 66% to only 6% over the course of a few years.
In January 2026, during a routine follow-up, Dr. Gauthier noticed that something was wrong. Michel was admitted to the hospital on the spot and received intensive care to stabilize his condition. A few weeks later, he had a brush with death after losing consciousness at home.
At that point, Michel was rushed to the CHUM and placed on the highest-priority transplant list. On March 27, 2026, the long-awaited call finally came—donor lungs were available.
The surgery went better than anyone could have hoped. The very next morning, Michel took his first steps and his recovery quickly impressed the medical teams. Every day, despite the pain, he walked the hospital corridors, determined to regain his independence.
“I put every tool I had into my toolbox and used them one by one. Every person has tools they can rely on to help themselves. The key is in using them.”
The strength of family
Throughout his journey, Michel was supported by his wife, their children, their grandchildren, Lori and Samuel, and by the rest of their extended family.
During his hospitalization, his loved ones regularly sent photos of his home, his property and drawings made by his grandchildren.
“I knew what mattered most. I told myself, ‘I can’t let this happen. I have to fight for myself, but above all, I have to fight for them.’ I hope that everyone facing illness is surrounded by love. That’s what gives us the strength to keep going.”
For Michel, that love became an invaluable source of strength.
The man in the Canadians jersey
Even during his most challenging moments, Michel never stopped thinking about others.
Just days after his transplant, while walking through the intensive care unit wearing his signed Montreal Canadians jersey, he made a point of greeting fellow patients. The gesture was simple, but it made a lasting impression.
Today, Michel speaks with deep gratitude about everyone he met at the CHUM, including Dr. Gauthier, Dr. Poirier, Dr. Libermann, Dr. Corsilli and nurse Marie-Hélène, as well as the entire clinical and support staff.
“I never encountered anyone in a bad mood. I only met people who were passionate about what they do, proud of their work, and deeply compassionate.”
A second chance and the desire to give back
Three months after his transplant, Michel has regained a quality of life he never thought possible. Golf, cycling, outdoor activities and family projects are gradually becoming part of his routine once again.
For him, the transplant represents more than a medical procedure.
Out of gratitude for the healthcare teams who supported him and for the donor whose organs he received, Michel has decided to pay it forward. He now raises awareness in his community about organ donation and supports the CHUM Foundation in advancing research, care and innovations that can save lives.
“Until you’re personally affected, you don’t fully realize the importance of giving back. Today, I know how it changes lives. I am proof of that. I was given a second breath—a second chance.”
