Let’s Ride for the Fondation—An Inspiring 160 km Challenge to Support Our Community’s Health

One year after a shocking diagnosis, Richard uses his cycling experience to give back.

Join us on Saturday, August 9, 2025, for a very special event: “Let’s Ride for the Fondation”, a cycling tour open to everyone and organized by a man whose journey is as inspiring as it is incredible.

In February 2024, Richard Leclair faced the risk of complete paralysis or even death due to a large tumour in his spine. Thanks to the quick action and vigilance of the team at Hôpital de Saint-Eustache, especially Dr. Samuel Demers and Dr. Paul Korkmaz, he was diagnosed early. He was urgently transferred to Hôpital du Sacré-Cœur-de-Montréal, where a life-saving surgery was carried out.

A year later, Richard is healthier than ever. To thank those who helped him recover and to support local healthcare, he has committed to cycling 160 km in one day to raise funds for HIS Foundation, OUR Foundation.

📸 Memories—Reflecting on the highlights of his journey

One year after his diagnosis, Richard had the chance to reunite with the doctors who literally saved his life during an emotional meeting organized by the Fondation.

➡️ In the first photo, he is surrounded by Dr. Paul Korkmaz (physiatrist) and Dr. Samuel Demers (emergency physician), who diagnosed him early and accurately.

“It was surreal to have the three of us sitting at the same table… When you see Richard today, able to walk and even eat normally, it’s hard to believe given the condition he was in a year ago.”—Dr. Korkmaz

➡️ In the second photo, he is pictured with Dr. Laroche, the neurosurgeon at Hôpital du Sacré-Cœur-de-Montréal who carried out the emergency surgery and managed all post-operative follow-up over the months.

“Thanks to this surgery, I’ve regained my normal life. I never thought I’d be able to get back on a bike again.”—Richard

Since fall 2024, Richard has become a dedicated volunteer with the Fondation. For him, participating in this cycling challenge is a tangible way to give back to the community and support the Fondation’s mission.

An event for everyone

This event aims to be inclusive, accessible, and fun. Whether you’re an experienced cyclist or a beginner, you can participate and choose the distance that suits you. You’ll have the chance to ride alongside Richard for as many kilometres as you like.

The route will be divided into three sections of about 50 km each. Pick the one that suits you, or try the full 160 km challenge! This isn’t a competition; it’s a collective effort centred on health, hope, joy, and generosity.

The goals of the event:

🚴‍ To honour all healthcare workers who dedicate themselves daily, often in challenging conditions.

💙 To raise funds to support the Fondation Hôpital Saint-Eustache, which acquires essential medical equipment and improves care in our region.

🗣️ To raise awareness about the significant role of hospital foundations in the quality of care provided.

🚲 To promote cycling as a therapeutic resource accessible to everyone.

🔥 To motivate you to push your limits, by cycling 160 km in a single day.🚴‍ Rendre hommage à tout le personnel de la santé qui, chaque jour, se dévoue dans des conditions souvent difficiles.

How can I participate?

1. Go to our secure donation platform.
2. Create your participant or team profile;
3. Pledge to collect donations for the Fondation Hôpital Saint-Eustache.
4. On the day of the event, make sure to bring a well-maintained bike, your puncture repair kit, and remember that wearing a helmet is mandatory!

Let’s ride for our community’s health

Richard’s story reminds us that every diagnosis made and every action taken by our hospital staff can save someone’s life.

On Saturday, August 9*, let’s go for a ride to promote health in our community!

*Postponed until August 10 in case of rain. If you can’t participate, or if cycling isn’t your thing, you can still support this wonderful initiative by donating—whether to the Fondation, a team, or a participant to encourage