I always told everyone that I wanted to be a doctor. People told me that it would be impossible since I was deaf. I completed my first two years of university at the University of Sherbrooke, studying pharmacology, but soon realized that I wasn’t cut out for lab work because I needed human contact. So I switched to the podiatry program. I didn’t know anything about podiatry, but I’d heard that there was a new program at the University of Québec at Trois-Rivières. I entered in the second year of the program and obtained my diploma in April of 2009. During my four years at university, I had eight interpreters. It was quite a challenge.

Several years ago, I began writing a book about all the challenges I’ve overcome. For me, being here in the clinic, it’s like reaching the peak of Mount Everest. I really want to show parents of deaf children how to help their children. Despite the obstacles I’ve faced, I never gave up because I always had the same dream. I followed the path to my objective – the one I’ve had since I was three years old: to become a doctor.

I’m very proud to be a member of OMPAC. Supporting people who have cancer challenges me a lot. I can advise deaf people who have cancer that OMPAC can provide them with psychological support during their ordeal. In my personal experience, I know when interpreter services are precious to deaf or hard-of-hearing people. They facilitate communication between the various health care providers and their patients, which forms the basis for trust and a sense of security for patients.