May 21, 2026
Marie-Claude Houle Beausoleil
We cannot control the challenges that come our way, but we can choose how we face them
At 35, I was working at a school for the Commission scolaire de Saint-Hyacinthe. For what felt like a long time, I was constantly tired and suffering from pain in my sternum. Just to get through each day, I took pain medication. I didn’t understand what was happening to me, but I had a deep sense that something was wrong.
As my symptoms worsened and my worries multiplied, I decided to contact the Centre hospitalier de l’Université de Montréal (CHUM hospital) directly. I was already followed there because of a family history with breast cancer. Blood tests were taken and revealed an abnormally high protein level. That’s when I was sent to a hematologist and was seen on February 22, 2024.
To reach a diagnosis, I had to undergo several tests: blood draws, imaging tests such as an MRI, and a bone marrow biopsy. In total, approximately eight months passed between my first consultation with family doctor and my care being taken over at the CHUM. In the end, it was I who pushed the process forward, because my condition was deteriorating and I was not feeling well at all.
I had never heard of myeloma before my diagnosis. At my age, the odds were extremely low, which made the news all the more unexpected.
My Support Network
When I received the diagnosis, my reaction was an unusual one. Strangely, I felt a sense of relief. Deep down, I knew I was seriously ill. Putting a name to what I was going through also meant that I would finally receive proper care.
That was the moment I truly understood that nothing in life is guaranteed.
[Photo: With my sister, who has helped me with everything during my illness, including delivering food on her bike to help me keep up my strength during my stem cell transplant.]
Early on, I shared the news with my loved ones. My mother and sister had already been through cancer and survived, which gave me hope. My partner was with me at the time of the announcement and was a pillar of support from the very start. My family, my father, mother, brother, and sister, supported me enormously, as did my partner and my two sons, who showed remarkable resilience.
I was also supported by a hypnotherapy practitioner, Frédéric Fortin, from Accès Hypnose. To get through the illness, I also found great strength in physical activity. I trained at Gym Xtra with Francis Charbonneau, a paramedic and gym owner. I did circuit training, joking that I was “sweating out my chemo.”
[Photo: With my amazing friends.]
My neighbour would join me, and I built friendships with people at the gym. It motivated me to come back every week, to keep my body strong, and my head above water.
My friends and in-laws were present throughout my journey. All of that love and support allowed me to maintain a positive mindset despite the treatments.
Making a Difference
This experience has profoundly transformed my life. I learned to slow down, to listen to my body, and above all to appreciate every moment. I came to understand that you have to live one day at a time and be grateful for what you have, because nothing is a given.
Very quickly, I felt the need to make a difference. While looking for concrete ways to get involved, I discovered Myeloma Canada. I wanted to contribute to research and help improve the reality of those affected by myeloma.
Over time, my involvement grew. I took part in the project “Mourir d’être une priorité – Agir contre le cancer” [Dying to be a priority – Cancer Action Now] by sharing my story. I participated in conferences to raise awareness about the importance of early diagnosis, prevention, and patient advocacy. I also collaborated on a newspaper article aimed at advancing the modernization of Hôpital Maisonneuve-Rosemont, in order to preserve the expertise of physician-researchers and continue delivering quality care in Quebec. That hospital, located in Montreal, plays an essential role and saves lives every day.
[Photo: “Mourir d’être une priorité – Agir contre le cancer” [Dying to be a priority – Cancer Action Now] campaign with Hill & Knowlton at the Société québécoise des professionnel(le)s en relations publiques (SQRP) Gala.]
I had the honour of receiving the Leadership Award from the CEO of Myeloma Canada. I also built a social media community to raise awareness about myeloma and encourage donations for research. I participated in the “Health eMatters” conference and got involved in advancing access to CAR T treatments in Canada. Recently, I joined the Défi Cyclo-myélome, where I will serve as a spokesperson.
Continuing the Fight, Today and for the Future
Today, I continue to actively fight the disease. I am participating in a research process by “lending” my body to science, in the hope of advancing treatments. I continue my chemotherapy treatments as well as injections to strengthen my bones and immune system. Despite all of this, I continue to teach full-time for the school board, which helps me maintain balance and a sense of normalcy in my daily life.
[Photo: Public Relations Grand Prize and Public’s Favourite Prize at the SQRP Gala]
The message I want to share today is simple: we cannot control the challenges that come our way, but we can choose how we face them. I have decided to live with my cancer in a positive way, while striving to make a difference. I want to help advance research, in the hope that one day a cure will be found for this still-incurable disease.
Donate to the Défi Cyclo-myélome or register for Marie-Claude’s team.
