When Memory Fuels Hope
“We want to pay tribute to our daughter Karine, keep her memory alive, and ensure that her story can bring hope to other families.” ALAIN AND NANCY HÉTU, PARENTS OF KARINE, WHO WAS AFFECTED BY CANCER
Alain and Nancy Hétu remember their beloved daughter Karine with deep emotion. At the age of 32, Karine was diagnosed with an advanced-stage ovarian cancer. Living with an intellectual disability, Karine spoke very little, but her joy for life was extraordinary. She communicated through her smile, laughter, dancing, and love of music.
A Silent Pain, Attentive Parents
Over time, Alain and Nancy noticed significant swelling in Karine’s abdomen. Concerned, they took her to the hospital. There, they learned that Karine had a 19-centimetre mass on her ovaries, an aggressive, metastatic cancer. Just over two months later, Karine passed away.
“Beyond her intellectual disability, we felt that something was wrong. We knew our Karine well and recognized the signs. Without wanting to challenge the doctors, and while fully respecting the importance of their expertise, we also had to trust our instincts as parents.“
A Day in Honour of Karine
In memory of their daughter, Alain and Nancy are organizing a golf tournament at Château-Bromont in September 2026 to raise funds for the Cancer Research Society.
“Research plays an essential role in the prevention of many cancers, including ovarian cancer. Karine’s cancer was silent and aggressive. That is why we believe our event will help improve the prevention, detection, and treatment of this disease.”
Alain and Nancy hope to transform Karine’s story into a gesture of hope by supporting cancer research and helping provide more options for people affected by the disease, whether directly or indirectly, for generations to come.
“Research is the future. Cancer can enter your life, or the life of someone you love, at any moment. The treatments available 20 years ago are not the same as those available today. Thanks to research, tremendous progress has been made. Donations make a real difference in accelerating tomorrow’s discoveries.“
Your story
Every experience counts. Whether you have been affected by cancer directly or indirectly, your story can offer comfort, inspire hope, and strengthen the sense of solidarity among those going through a similar challenge.