There are people who leave a permanent mark on our lives.
My father, Sylvain Berthiaume, was one of them. Some stories are difficult to tell. This one is mine—or rather, my father’s.
The uniform has always been a symbol in our family. My father was a volunteer firefighter in a small municipality for 20 years (1996–2016), and his two sons became police officers. Sylvain had the firefighter’s calling etched into his heart. He showed deep dedication, fighting every fire with determination while also getting involved in all kinds of community activities. He had the mindset of a winner and never hesitated to give back.
Sylvain was a righteous, committed, hardworking, and helpful man in every aspect of his life. He knew how to listen, encourage, love, and support unconditionally. A model man, father, grandfather, and husband devoted to his wife, his children, and his grandchildren. Skilled with his hands and newly retired, Dad enjoyed his retirement by traveling with Mom or spending many weekends at our house helping me with renovations.
Nothing went as expected. In July 2025, Sylvain was hospitalized for what appeared to be a liver stone. On July 10, the diagnosis struck with devastating force. My father had stage IV cholangiocarcinoma—a rare cancer of the bile ducts. Doctors gave him less than four weeks. Sylvain passed away on July 27, 2025, at the age of 64, surrounded by the family he cherished so deeply. Seventeen days. A departure far too quick.
His passing left a profound void, a pain that words cannot describe. Yet, in the midst of this sorrow, a deep desire remains: that his fight continues. That what he endured may help others facing this painful ordeal. The will to make a difference.
Dr. Simon Turcotte is a surgical oncologist, professor, and researcher at the CHUM. His research focuses on developing new cellular immunotherapies (infusions of anti-cancer white blood cells) specifically for people with cholangiocarcinoma. A first clinical trial is expected to open in 2027 (https://www.cholangio.ca/c3star).
As an amateur cyclist and former triathlete, I decided that on the weekend of May 23–24, 2026, I will ride 200 km in a single day to raise funds and bring hope. The route will begin near the Montreal Fire Department headquarters, climb Mount Royal, and continue through the Montérégiennes.
In partnership with the CHUM and the Canadian Cholangiocarcinoma Collaborative (C3), my team and I are mobilizing to raise funds that will be entirely donated to Dr. Turcotte’s research. These funds will help advance the work, particularly the production of the cellular therapy product intended to be infused into the tumor. If everything goes as planned, the first patient could receive this treatment at the beginning of 2027. Afterwards, this innovative therapy will be offered at the CHUM as well as the University of Ottawa.
Donating to this cause helps continue my father’s fight and supports all those affected by this disease. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for your generosity.
Jonathan Berthiaume, son of Sylvain Berthiaume
