Community Rallies for Cure in Support of Victoria
Over 500 people gathered on November 24th for a heartwarming luncheon held by the Knights of Columbus of Beauceville. The event, meticulously organized by Victoria’s paternal grandparents, Nancy Grondin and Paul Boucher, aimed to raise crucial funds for the groundbreaking Larry Bélanger Family Foundation for Victoria (rare diseases).
The generous spirit of the community shone brightly as the event garnered an impressive $7,250. This remarkable amount will directly contribute to the foundation’s mission, which is to propel research towards finding a cure for rare diseases, also known as orphan diseases.
“This philanthropic fund was created by Larry Bélanger to support research into rare diseases. The money is therefore used to finance research to find a cure,” highlighted the organizers.
Victoria’s Journey: A Fight Against a Rare Condition
Victoria, a bright-eyed two-year-old, faces the challenges of Multisystem Smooth Muscle Dysfunction Syndrome, a rare and complex condition affecting smooth muscle tissues throughout the body. “As its name suggests, it affects muscles and smooth tissues, preventing them from contracting normally,” explained the organizers.
This debilitating condition impacts Victoria’s lungs, bladder, intestines, stomach, arteries, and even the blood vessels supplying her brain. Globally, fewer than 60 individuals are known to be affected by this rare disease.
While Victoria’s parents, Bianca Bélanger and Alexandre Lécuyer, were unable to attend the luncheon due to their daughter’s recent hospitalization for respiratory viruses, they expressed their gratitude for the outpouring of support.
“However, his condition has improved according to Mr. Bélanger,” the organizers relayed.
A Community United: Local Businesses and Leaders Lend Support
The exceptional success of the luncheon was further propelled by significant contributions from local businesses and community leaders. The Caisses Desjardins du Sud de la Beauce and du Sud de la Chaudière generously donated, alongside Luc Provençal, the Member of Parliament for Beauce-Nord, demonstrating a united front in the fight for Victoria’s health and for progress in the understanding and treatment of rare diseases.
What is the Larry Bélanger Family Foundation’s mission, and how will the funds raised be used?
## Community Rallies for Victoria: An Interview with Victoria’s Grandmother
**(News Anchor):** We’re joined today by Nancy Grondin, one of the organizers of the recent heartwarming community luncheon held to support Victoria and the Larry Bélanger Family Foundation. Nancy, thank you for being with us today.
**(Nancy Grondin):** Thank you for having me. It was truly an amazing day.
**(News Anchor):** The event was a huge success, raising over $7,250 for the foundation. Can you tell us a little bit about the event and what it means for Victoria?
**(Nancy Grondin):** Certainly. Seeing over 500 people come together to support Victoria and the Larry Bélanger Family Foundation was incredibly moving. We organized the luncheon through the Knights of Columbus of Beauceville, and the outpouring of love and generosity from our community was overwhelming.
**(News Anchor):** The foundation is dedicated to researching and finding cures for rare diseases. How will these funds be used to support their mission?
**(Nancy Grondin):** These funds will directly contribute to the foundation’s vital work. Their research focuses on identifying the causes of rare diseases and developing potential treatments. Every dollar raised brings them closer to finding a cure for Victoria and others facing similar challenges.
**(News Anchor):** What message would you like to share with viewers who might be inspired to support the Larry Bélanger Family Foundation?
**(Nancy Grondin):** Every act of kindness, every donation, big or small, makes a difference. Rare diseases affect countless families, and the foundation is doing groundbreaking work to improve their lives. By supporting their research, we can offer hope to those in need [[1](https://www.easyfundraising.org.uk/blog/the-complete-guide-to-community-fundraising-strategies-ideas-and-best-practices/)].
**(News Anchor):** Nancy, thank you for sharing Victoria’s story and inspiring others to get involved. We wish Victoria and her family all the best.
