In this episode Jeannette Valmont, a long time volunteer and recipient of a Governor General Caring Canadian Award came by the cafe to share her experiences. She describes herself as a full time plus volunteer but also states that she has a PhD in personal suffering. During her visit to The Good Health Cafe Jeanette shares the remarkable story of how she turned her various health challenges into a thriving volunteer career and the lessons she has learned in health care navigation that she thinks people should know. Tune in for an inspiring conversation!
About Jeannette
For the past 38 years, Jeannette Valmont has volunteered for Hope & Cope for the past 38 years, a psycho- social support organization for cancer patients and their families based at the Jewish General Hospital in Montreal. Despite suffering from debilitating chronic back pain from four failed back surgeries, thyroid cancer and an inflammatory disease, Jeannette has made it her life’s mission to support patients through the trajectory of their cancer diagnoses.
When Jeannette first became ill with her back, she created her own pain management strategy and re-invented the way that she works. Jeannette believes that because of her own pain and suffering, she is able to relate even more to the patients that she works with at Hope & Cope.
As a volunteer, Jeannette has held multiple roles including: helping patients navigate their cancer diagnosis; scheduling out patient clinic volunteers; training new volunteers; leading Look Good Feel Better workshops that teach women how to manage the appearance-related impact of cancer; and even a term as Co-President. Hers is a true example of how to live a rich, rewarding, fulfilling and meaningful life with chronic illness.
In recognition of this volunteer career, Jeannette was awarded a Governor General Caring Canadian Award in 2001 for outstanding and selfless contribution to the community, and a Hope & Cope Distinguished Service Award in 2015 for her exemplary service and leadership.
Hope & Cope
Website: https://hopeandcope.ca/en/
Phone: 514-340-3616
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