Testimonial of Alexandre Thibault

I look back, less than two years ago, to that day at the Régates de Valleyfield hydroplane race, surrounded by friends, living life to the fullest, and eagerly awaiting the birth of my son, Logan. It was a hot day. There was a long dock. I dove in. But I was fooled by the length of the dock. The water was barely two feet deep and I ended up a tetraplegic. I was in the water for 30 minutes, waiting for help to come. People were touching me, but I couldn’t feel anything. It was surreal. The truth hit me like a ton of bricks…

Two weeks later, while I was hospitalized, Logan was born. I cried so hard. At that point, I couldn’t even take him in my arms. But today I can, thanks to the generosity of people like you who make donations to the REA Foundation.

After my hospitalization, I started rehabilitation. You can’t really understand the meaning of that word unless you’ve experienced it.

Supported by a team of professionals filled with kindness, I had access to the best care and state-of-the-art technology that allowed me to take charge of my new reality. I saw the concrete impact of the REA Foundation.

I have to admit that my rehabilitation wasn’t always easy. I singlemindedly focused on my little man, Logan. I was ready to do anything to be the best father I could be to him. To see him grow up. To give him all the love in the world. To develop a real father-son relationship with him To help me in my new role as a father, I was able to turn to the services of the Clinique Parents Plus, funded by the REA Foundation. This service is offered to parents like me, to help us develop a connection with our child.

Concretely, the clinic taught me how to adapt to my reality so that I could give Logan the care he needed. The clinic also loaned me some equipment. But the Clinique Parents Plus does so much more than that… Without it, I would’ve missed out on wonderful moments with my son; moments that helped me build a real relationship with him. When I realized that I was able to put my son to bed and cuddle with him thanks to the Clinic’s elevated bed, I was so happy…and proud! To be able to wrap my arms around him, to feel his warmth…words fail me. We formed a beautiful bond. Now, when he’s sitting on my lap, he knows that he can trust me, that he won’t fall!

And because I’m well placed to know that the Clinique Parents Plus provides a vital service and that I want it to be able to help more parents who, like me, will be able to experience unique, glorious and important moments with their children, I’m asking you to make a concrete gesture today. I hope to be able to count on you to make a donation to support this clinic “of miracles,” which needs immediate financial support.

With your precious support, other patients with a disability will be able to savour each moment in their relationship with their child, despite their reality. I can assure you that your donation goes further than you think. You’ll help them reignite that spark for life. And you’ll also make it possible for children to have the best parents in the world.

From the bottom of my heart: thank you!

Alexandre Thibault, proud father of Logan

Alexandre Thibault
Diving accident in 2016