Sophie Desmarais

“To mark the first anniversary of Milan's death, I had the choice of staying at home and crying, or doing something special. I was at a party and said to my sister-in-law, “I think I'll shave my hair!”

Sophie Desmarais: An Audacious Luminous Woman of Action

Sophie Desmarais is a woman and a mother who embodies strength and unconditional love. A mother of three, her life was turned upside down when her son Milan was diagnosed with cancer at just six months old. She decided to quit her job and go into business for herself, becoming a mortgage broker so she could be at home with her son. During Milan's four years of life, Sophie enjoyed smiles and moments of courage and resilience, always finding a way to celebrate life despite illness. To pay tribute to her son, she said YES to Les Audacieuses and shaved off her hair for the cause.

When her son Milan was just six months old, doctors discovered he had a brain tumor. “Our lives were turned upside down.’’

After years of treatment, including an experimental treatment for two years. Milan was getting better, with almost no side effects apart from his white hair. He was enrolled in kindergarten. There was no sign of what was to come...

“We fought with him for 4 years. Then, one day, he was gone. Not because of cancer, but naturally, suddenly. He left at a time of his own choosing. He was at home, happy, free of suffering, surrounded by the people who loved him most.”

Losing a child is not a normal part of parenthood. Resilient, Sophie is inspired by Milan's positivism on a daily basis: “Milan taught us to make the most of every moment. And today, we try to continue in that spirit. He always lived life to the full despite his illness. He loved having people around the house, and even when he wasn't feeling well, we always found ways to have a good time.”

An Exceptional Mother, A Woman of Action

Sophie is a woman of action. She navigates her way through trials and tribulations with inspiring determination. Her outlook on life, tinged with pragmatism and optimism, enables her to transform the most difficult moments into opportunities to celebrate love and humanity. “To mark the first anniversary of Milan's death, I had the choice of staying at home and crying, or doing something special. I was at a party and said to my sister-in-law, “I think I'll shave my hair!”

Sophie has an extraordinary energy and strength. She is the very definition of courage and audacity.  “I've always had an entrepreneurial spirit. When Milan fell ill, I knew I had to find a way of being there for him while having a career that would allow me this freedom. Becoming a mortgage broker was an obvious choice: it allows me to help people at a crucial time in their lives, while having the flexibility I need for my family.”

In the trying times of illness and the loss of a child, support is essential. Sophie testifies to the importance of a close circle of friends and family to soothe the pain of everyday life. “I call them my close guard. They were there for us when Milan was ill, they were always on the end of the phone, always ready to arrive with a small bottle of wine. Every Friday, our house was full, and that's what made him happy. He'd be sitting on the kitchen island, hands in chips, laughing.”

Today, Sophie continues to embody the quiet strength that inspires those who cross her path. She knows how precious it is to be well surrounded. “We're naturally festive and happy people. Even after he left, we surrounded ourselves and continued to celebrate life. Food and wine heal many wounds. We've never been alone, we're loved. Milan is loved.” In her inner circle, she finds comfort and energy, and gives back as much as she receives.

The Sincerity of an Inspiring Career

Over the years, her transparency and authenticity have inspired those around her. On her Instagram account, she shares her story, her everyday life without hiding. “I try to use Instagram to show the real thing. Life isn't just about beautiful filtered moments, it's also about trials, doubts and victories, big and small. If it can help other families or inspire people to see life differently, so much the better.”

She navigates through trials with inspiring determination. Being real and honest offers a sense of validation for others. “I've always been transparent about my journey. I think it's important to show that behind a career, a family, there are challenges, questioning, but also a lot of happiness.”

Sophie is a headstrong woman, a fighter who does nothing by halves. “I'm a pig-headed person. I do what I feel like doing. Being self-employed is demanding, but it's also one of the best decisions I've ever made. I manage my time as I see fit and can put my energy where it really counts.”

Leucan: A Presence in The Face of Cancer's Unexpected Consequences

Although Sophie already knew about Leucan, she didn't immediately get involved in family activities, preferring to maintain a balance between the hospital world and everyday life. However, her Leucan advisor, Annie, was there for the family from their first steps into the unknown of pediatric cancer. “I remember Milan's first chemo, Annie was there with a bag full of little things. It's hard to understand if you don't live it, but it's such a big deal to enter oncology for the first time. Annie's presence was so important.’’

Behind the whirlwind of pediatric cancer, there are little-known realities. One of them is that families have to juggle financial constraints. Leucan has been a valuable ally, notably through its financial support. “We don't talk about it much, but a child with cancer comes with a lot of expenses. All the costs of travel and meals at the hospital were huge unforeseen expenses. I'd say that financial aid was the service we used the most of all those offered by Leucan.”

Sophie is simply luminous. A woman at heart, a devoted mother and a model of audacity, Sophie Desmarais is a source of inspiration. Through her story, she reminds us that life, even in times of trial, deserves to be lived to the full, surrounded by love and light.