2024-11-12 00:00:00
A woman of many talents, Valérie Gosselin, little sister of Quebec city councilor Jean-François Gosselin, died Sunday at the age of 47, after having lived fully and courageously fought cystic fibrosis.
At 4 months old, when he was diagnosed with the terrible illness, the infant had a life expectancy of only four to five years.
“The doctors told us not to get too attached because she wouldn’t live a year! All her life, my sister managed to live longer and do a lot of things. She said that all her battles would serve to advance medical research,” Mr. Gosselin told Journalwith tremolos in the voice.
Defying the darkest predictions, Valérie Gosselin will have succeeded in leading several lives. She was in turn an emeritus student, psychologist, author, elite synchronized swimmer, recipient of the first Force AVENIR scholarship, entrepreneur, founder and owner of the Amis-Maux family clinic, speaker and astronomy enthusiast.
With complete clarity
In a video published three years ago on his YouTube channelshe detailed the complications surrounding her medical condition.
“I do everything from my bed,” she said lucidly, recalling her long medical isolation since her liver transplant in 2010. Immunosuppressed, she was vulnerable to infections. She described her heavy daily treatments: 57 pills to swallow, 5 to 6 insulin injections, a 40-minute respiratory therapy treatment and oxygen goggles to wear every night to help her lungs.
Maintaining hope and confidence in a better tomorrow, she spoke enthusiastically about the arrival of a new drug – Trikafta – which would help her improve her quality of life.
Moving testimony
Watching her videos and reading the moving testimony published on Facebook by her brother, we can emerge from the portrait of a fighting woman who enjoyed life to the fullest and who refused to feel sorry for herself.
Municipal councilor Jean-François Gosselin with his sister Valérie. Courtesy photo
“Despite her terrible illness which condemned her to die young from birth, Valérie fought until the end. She fought for herself, for us, for all children/adults also affected by cystic fibrosis,” wrote Mr. Gosselin.
Referring to his sister’s love for animals, he added that the deceased “always pushed the limits that others often set for her. She had no limits, she only had dreams and she found a way to live them. Let us remember her legendary smile, her good humor, the hope she created around her.”
Last Thursday, the family experienced “a magical moment”. After months of hospitalization, Valérie had a sudden burst of energy which allowed her to share a meal (Crêpes from McDonald’s) with her parents and her brother. She smiled at Jean-François’ jokes and was able to exchange tender glances with her dog Marguerite, who had received exceptional permission from the hospital to accompany her mistress until the end.
Valérie Gosselin, sister of Jean-François Gosselin, and her dog Marguertie. Courtesy photo
Do you have any information to share with us about this story?
Write to us at or call us directly at 1 800-63SCOOP.
1731489637
#Valérie #fought #municipal #councilor #JeanFrançois #Gosselin #pays #tribute #deceased #sister
**Interview with Jean-François Gosselin on His Sister Valérie’s Legacy and Cystic Fibrosis Awareness**
**Interviewer:** Thank you for joining us, Jean-François. Your sister Valérie was an extraordinary woman who faced tremendous challenges with cystic fibrosis. Can you share what made her journey so remarkable?
**Jean-François Gosselin:** Thank you for having me. Valérie’s resilience was truly inspiring. Despite being given a life expectancy of only a few years, she defied the odds. From an early age, she embraced life and pursued her passions—becoming a psychologist, an author, and even an elite synchronized swimmer. Her spirit was unyielding, and she lived many lives in her 47 years.
**Interviewer:** It must have been a difficult journey for both of you, especially considering the medical challenges she faced. How did Valérie cope with her condition?
**Jean-François Gosselin:** She was incredibly candid about her struggles. In a video she shared, she described her life from her bed after her liver transplant. Though she had to manage a rigorous regime of medication and treatments, she always maintained hope. Valérie looked forward to advancements in medical research, like the new drug Trikafta, which brought her a glimpse of a better quality of life.
**Interviewer:** It’s heartwarming to hear about her positivity. In her fight against cystic fibrosis, Valérie emphasized the importance of advocating for medical research. What message do you believe she would want to share with others facing similar challenges?
**Jean-François Gosselin:** Valérie always believed in progress and the strength of the human spirit. She would want others to remain hopeful and to keep fighting—not just for themselves but for those who come after them. She wanted to contribute to a cause larger than herself, to inspire change for better treatments and outcomes for all affected by cystic fibrosis.
**Interviewer:** Your brotherly bond shines through your words. What do you hope her legacy will be moving forward?
**Jean-François Gosselin:** I hope Valérie’s story will encourage more awareness and understanding of cystic fibrosis. She was a warrior, and I want her courage to inspire others. Her fight was not just for her own life but for all the children and adults battling this disease. We must continue to support research and advocate for those who cannot speak for themselves.
**Interviewer:** Thank you, Jean-François, for sharing Valérie’s incredible journey with us. Her legacy will undoubtedly continue to inspire many.
**Jean-François Gosselin:** Thank you for giving me the opportunity to honor my sister’s memory.
