Separated from her children for Mother’s Day


A mother with an incurable neurodegenerative disease fears living her last Mother’s Day away from her children, a day of celebration tarnished by COVID-19, which her spouse and one of their sons contracted.

For Valérie Garneau, 47, Mother’s Day is an important celebration. Suffering from multiple system atrophy (MSA), she has no idea what her health will look like in the future.

“When I’m having a good time, I can’t help wondering if this is the last time. Unfortunately this year, I will not be able to see my loved ones for Mother’s Day, ”she mentioned by email because of her difficulty in expressing herself.

Diagnosed in 2020, the Lévis resident is in a way a prisoner of her body. “I am aware of my condition and my deterioration. However, I don’t want to give my children a party where they will visit me without me being able to interact with them.”

On a daily basis, she spends a large part of her day listening to series, even if she is very fond of reading. “I have more and more pain. I spend my days in my wheelchair and it’s hard for me to hold a book.”

Frankly, Ms. Garneau says that it is impossible to accept her illness, but that she must learn to live with it. “I am often angry and I wonder: why me? I had so much to accomplish. I would so much like to continue to work and give back to the community, “said the one who held the title of director of finance for the Groupe Garneau thanatologist in Chaudière-Appalaches.

A proud mother

One of Ms. Garneau’s children represents the 5th generation of the family to practice the profession of thanatologist. The latter finds it extremely difficult not to be able to practice this profession with her son. “I would have had so many things to show him. That said, I am proud of all my children. I would have liked to be there to support them in their life as parents. I want them to remember that I was a fighter and I tell them to always help others, no matter the situation.

Contribute to research

Valérie Garneau lives from day to day, because her future risks being cut short. “I never know what tomorrow is made of.” People with this disease generally have a life expectancy of between 5 and 10 years. The thanatologist created the Valérie Garneau Fund to help researchers find a cure. She also wants to raise awareness of the disease with this Fund.

“My dream is that one day a solution will be found and that I will leave my mark in this discovery.”

People who want to contribute to the Fund can visit this link: https://quebecphilanthrope.org/fonds/valeriegarneau/




Reference-www.journaldemontreal.com

Leave a Comment