The father of a family, who was battling colon cancer, recently flew to Japan for treatment, where he thought he could afford the expensive last-chance treatment, but sadly died on landing a few days ago.
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“We are deeply saddened to announce that Christian is no longer with us. As he wanted with all his heart, we as a family went with him to the end. She was strong and resilient to the end,” her partner Emily Girard-Tremblay, 40, wrote on the website of a crowdfunding campaign launched to raise funds.
Le Journal announced on September 7 that the brave 39-year-old father would be leaving for Japan on September 11, after 3,700 donations on the Gofundme site raised an additional $123,000. The target was exceeded in a few days.
After doctors in Quebec estimated his life expectancy at 3 to 6 months, he hoped to receive treatment for his stage 4 colon cancer in Asia. Unfortunately Christian Beaulieu no longer responded to the treatments he received here.
Weakened
So full of hope he and his family flew to the Land of the Rising Sun.
“We arrived in Japan on September 12. On September 13, his father and I made the right decision to call an ambulance to take him to the hospital. He could no longer walk and was obviously very weak,” says Ms Girard-Tremblay.
The father of Laurier, 2, and Margot, 5, died last night, September 13, Japan time.
“He gave everything, but he was very tired. He passed out, surrounded by all of us,” says Thomas Gassalt, who captured a poignant video to help his friend.
With gratitude
The family will return to Quebec in the coming days with the remains of the deceased.
His wife, who has committed to donate the proceeds to colon cancer research in Christian’s memory, is grateful for the thoughtfulness and generosity of people who have donated to support them.
“My family thanks you wholeheartedly. Thank you for your kindness,” she concludes.
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