Alfred Breton-Paré

Meet Alfred Breton-Paré. His son Éloi lives with muscular dystrophy.

In November 2011, Alfred discovered that he was a Duchenne carrier. At about the same time, he and his wife Marie-Ève were told that their little boy, who was 4 years old at the time, had Duchenne muscular dystrophy, a rare hereditary degenerative neuromuscular disease with no known cure. They also learned that he would lose the ability to walk at around age 12 and that he would not live past age 30.

Éloi’s parents were devastated by the news, “We were all the more incredulous because there’s absolutely no history of Duchenne in our respective families,” said Alfred.

“Right after the diagnosis, we were referred to Muscular Dystrophy Canada (MDC). They’ve given us moral support, explained the disease to the students and staff at Éloi’s school, and provided financial assistance to adapt our home”

Alfred, father of 7-year-old Éloi

Once they got over the shock, Éloi’s parents quickly started doing what they thought was necessary to help and support their son: the family moved and the new house, equipped with an elevator, was adapted to meet Éloi’s current and future needs. Later, thanks to MDC, they will be able to receive a loan of specialized equipment, i.e. a patient lift.

Éloi’s father says his family is placing its hope in research. “Especially since Éloi is doing rather well. He’s not complaining and he seems resilient. We also want to stay positive for his sister Rose, who doesn’t have the disease.”

As parents, we have the power to make our children happy. “For your part, you can feed our hope for a cure and make the lives of people suffering from a neuromuscular disease a little easier. You can think of Éloi, knowing that your support is really appreciated by all those who love him. My name is Alfred and I am living proof that donating to HealthPartners works.”