About Us

Financing a cure.
Not just survival.

The Fondation Charles-Bruneau’s purpose goes beyond simply funding projects; it funds cures. We exist to drive scientific innovation so that every breakthrough translates into better treatments, fewer long-term side effects, and a better quality of life for children.

Gloved clinician holds an orange IV bag labeled cytotoxic with connected infusion tubing.
A young girl in pink Frozen pajamas stands in a bright hospital hallway, looking at the camera.
Researcher in a lab coat and pink gloves pipetting liquid in a biosafety cabinet.
A masked clinician in blue scrubs holds an infant with a tube taped to the cheek in a hospital hallway.

Our mission

To give all children with cancer the best chances of recovery by financing research and contributing to the development of projects in the area of paediatric hematology and oncology.

Smiling boy in a hospital bed hugging a white teddy bear, wearing hospital wristbands and a chest bandage.

Our vision

To ensure that all children with cancer can be cured and enjoy a healthy life.

The heritage left by Charles

Our story

Since 1979, the Fondation has been chasing the promise of the dream cherished by Charles by financing research aimed at giving each child with cancer a chance at a cure. This strong heritage is the heartbeat of our mission.

A nurse takes Charles Bruneau's blood pressure as he sits on a hospital bed in a gown.
1979

Charles’ diagnosis

Charles shared his dream of a cancer-free childhood with thousands of Quebecers, starting with researchers.

Black and white portrait of a young Charles Bruneau smiling.
1988

Passing of Charles

After he passed, Charles continued to serve as an inspiration and a powerful force. His oncologist, Dr. Jocelyn Demers, suggested that Pierre Bruneau make his son’s dream – “When I grow up, I will be cured!” – a reality by creating care facilities adapted to children with cancer in Quebec.

Two men in suits raise their fists beside a banner reading “Tous ensemble pour l'amour des enfants,” with blue and white balloons.
1990

Creation of the Fondation Charles-Bruneau

Start of a major movement of solidarity throughout the province.

Brick Pavillon Vidéotron building with a glass tower and wall lettering for the Charles-Bruneau oncology center.
1995

Inauguration of the Centre de cancérologie Charles-Bruneau at the CHU Sainte-Justine

Groundbreaking at Charles-Bruneau: a man and a youth in hard hats hold a red shovel on a construction site.
2007

The Centre de cancérologie Charles-Bruneau at the CHU Sainte-Justine opens its second pavilion

Paul Doucet speaking at a podium with his hands raised during an event.
2010

Paul Doucet becomes a spokesperson

Pediatric oncology nursing station with a curved lime-green glass counter and matching green wall cabinets.
2014

Inauguration of the Unité d’oncologie pédiatrique Charles-Bruneau in partnership with the Fondation CHUS

Nine professionals in business attire pose together in a bright clinical unit with orange accent walls.
2015

Opening of the Charles-Bruneau Hematology-Oncology Day Treatment Centre at the Montreal Children’s Hospital

Modern research lab with long bench rows, sinks, glass cabinets, and windows at CHU Sainte-Justine.
2017

Inauguration of the Unité de recherche en immuno-hémato-oncologie Charles-Bruneau at the Centre de recherche du CHU Sainte-Justine

Man speaking at a microphone during the Charles-Bruneau unit inauguration at CHU de Québec.
2018

Inauguration of the Unité d’hémato-oncologie pédiatrique Charles-Bruneau at the CHU de Québec-Université Laval

Six people wearing blue masks pose in front of a backdrop with Fondation Charles-Bruneau and partner hospital logos.
2021

Major commitment of more than $25 million

Funds distributed among the Charles-Bruneau Centres and Units as follows (2021–2025):

  • More than $11 million to the CHU Sainte-Justine
  • Close to $9 million to the CHU Québec-Université Laval
  • Close to $5.5 million to the Montreal Children’s Hospital
  • Close to $250,000 to the CIUSS de l’Estrie – CHUS
Florence Breton speaking into a microphone outdoors in a blue cycling jersey with event logos.
2023

Florence Breton becomes a spokesperson

A group with children holding cloud signs spelling “50 M $” beside a screen on 50 million for pediatric cancer research.
2025

Historic $50 million commitment and 35th anniversary

Funds distributed among the Charles-Bruneau Centres and Units as follows (2025–2030):

  • More than $21 million to the CHU Sainte-Justine
  • More than $17 million to the Montreal Children’s Hospital
  • More than $5 million to the CHU Québec-Université Laval
  • More than $4 million to the CIUSS de l’Estrie – CHUS
Nine people pose in a hallway beside a glass sign for the Centre de cancérologie Charles-Bruneau Cancer Centre and a colorful mural.
2026

Renaming of the Centre at the Montreal Children’s Hospital

The Charles-Bruneau Hematology-Oncology Day Treatment Centre at the Montreal Children’s Hospital becomes the Charles-Bruneau Cancer Center.

    Our values

    Five core values guide our decisions and inspire everything we do.

    A woman and a young boy smile on a hospital bed; he wears a Spider-Man shirt and a taped feeding tube.

    Respect

    Human dignity is at the heart of everything we do. We honour the experiences of families facing difficult times and value the unique contributions of each of our partners, donors and collaborators.

    In a hospital room, a woman gently adjusts a smiling girl's striped dress near IV pumps and a bed.

    Solidarity

    We join forces with the community, medical teams and researchers to help ensure a healthy future for every child with cancer.

    Integrity

    We act with honesty, transparency and diligence in managing our resources, ensuring that every contribution is used responsibly and to its fullest potential.

    Equity

    Our support is provided fairly and accessibly to children across Quebec, regardless of their geographic location or place of residence.

    Gloved hands use a micropipette to transfer liquid into a tube inside a laboratory biosafety cabinet.

    Innovation

    We accelerate scientific progress by funding cutting-edge research and fostering the development of innovative solutions to overcome the most treatment-resistant cancers.

    Pierre Bruneau smiles behind a clear lectern with gooseneck microphones at a speaking event.
    “Together, we’re advancing toward a future where each child will be able to grow up with no fear of a cancer diagnosis.”

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