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Heart and Stroke fundraiser hits close to home for organizer
Ile Bizard student touched by his mother's medical crisis
The Gazette
Thursday, November 20, 2008
Patrick Lehman and Gisele Cormier.
THE GAZETTE
Twenty-four-year-old Patrick Lehman knew that organizing a fundraising concert would be part of his independent studies course this year at Concordia University.
But the Île Bizard resident and local musician didn’t know that the upcoming concert at which he and a collection of other West Island artists will perform, would turn out to be something so close to his heart.
The event slated to take place Nov. 27 at Clydes in Pointe Claire Village will benefit the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Quebec.
The organization is one to which, Lehman said, he feels eternally grateful.
His 54-year-old mother, Gisele Cormier, woke up early Aug. 14 with a sore arm and chest pain. But since she had suffered no other symptoms, he said, it took the family by surprise.
A long-time employee of Great West Life Insurance, Cormier survived after being rushed to Lakeshore General Hospital by ambulance and, transferred that same day to Montreal’s Royal Victoria Hospital where she underwent emergency triple bypass surgery.
Now, Lehman said, he wants to give something back to an organization dedicated to the education of Quebecers about heart disease and its risk factors.
Since the foundation was established 53 years ago, it has awarded more than $88 million to Quebec researchers to fight cardiovascular disease.
“I became much more aware when that all happened to my mom,” Lehman said.
In 2004, more than 72,000 Canadians died from cardiovascular disease, about 32 per cent of all deaths in Canada.
“They (the foundation) have played a big part in getting labels changed on foods,” Lehman said, “promoting healthy living.”
Although, he said, it’s unlikely she will be able to attend the concert, she is recovering nicely and happy about what he is doing.
Besides the Patrick Lehman Band, the concert will feature comedian Paul Baluyot, hip hop artist David Hodges folk musicians Nebs & Andrée and rocker Roberto Tamboriello.
The Heart of the Matter fundraiser takes place Nov. 27 at Clydes, 286 Lakeshore Rd. in Pointe Claire. Tickets are $10 and can only be purchased at the door.