Political Victories, Cancer Struggles
Berthold, Gourde Reelected While battling Cancer
In a striking display of resilience, Luc Berthold secured his fourth term in Mégantic—L’Érable—Lotbinière, even as he faced a recent prostate cancer diagnosis. Berthold, 59, revealed his diagnosis from last February. He wasn’t alone; Jacques Gourde also campaigned while undergoing treatment for the same illness.
Despite their health challenges, both men actively campaigned within their districts and where successfully reelected. Speaking after the polls closed Monday, they shared insights into navigating the campaign trail while battling cancer.
Berthold arrived at a dairy bar in Thetford Mines late Monday afternoon, after touring his vast constituency. His wife, Caroline Levesque, and daughters, Marie-Soleil and Justine, joined him as the final hours of election day ticked away. The family remained a strong support system for Berthold throughout his recovery and campaign.
“I had the prostate removed in February,” Berthold said, according to a quote reported by Radio-Canada.
although his recovery was initially projected to last three months, Berthold, who previously served as mayor of Thetford for seven years before entering federal politics in 2015, was determined not to let cancer prevent him from seeking reelection.
His dedication to politics outweighed his health concerns, though he acknowledged the need to pace himself. “I would have liked to do more,” Berthold said, “but it was crucial for me to show people that I was there despite the trials,” Radio-Canada reported.
Adding to his personal challenges, Berthold also experienced the loss of his 28-year-old son, David, in February. ”we are humans like the others; everything that happens to everyone happens to us too,” Berthold said,according to Radio-Canada.
Gourde Underwent Treatment During Campaign
jacques Gourde greeted a reporter at a restaurant in Lévis, his election day headquarters. His positive attitude belied the fact that he had received his 24th radiotherapy treatment just hours before.
“My last treatment is Friday. My radiologist told me that the effects of radiotherapy will last about three weeks, then after that I should find my usual energy,” Gourde said, according to Radio-Canada.
Gourde received his prostate cancer diagnosis on January 13, his birthday. Despite starting treatment as the election campaign began, he remained committed to representing his constituents. Gourde, who aspires to become the longest-serving Quebec representative, admitted he had to prioritize his health during the campaign. “I had to do a campaign a little modified in the sense that I might have liked to meet more people,” he said, according to Radio-Canada.
However,voters seemed confident in his ability to serve. One voter in Saint-Narcisse-de-Beaurivage said,”There are no troubles,he’s a go-getter,” according to Radio-Canada.
Gourde expressed optimism about his cancer battle and pledged to be in Ottawa for the next parliamentary session if elected. He noted that experiencing cancer firsthand has deepened his empathy for others facing health issues. “There is a certain loneliness that settles in each individual when you have cancer… psychologically you have to be ready to accept this fight, to accept the side effects,” he said, according to Radio-canada.
Gourde added, “At the start of the campaign, I had two fights, the election and my cancer; today we will settle one of the two fights, and by the next month we will settle the second. I will have had a very busy spring then high in emotions,” according to Radio-Canada.
His victory that evening marked the triumphant resolution of one of those battles, securing his seventh term in office.
Berthold’s Victory in Thetford Mines
Cheers erupted as Luc Berthold secured his fourth term. Overcome with emotion, he thanked his supporters for their trust despite his reduced presence during the campaign. he is scheduled for a follow-up appointment with his doctor in May.
With a voice filled with emotion, Berthold acknowledged his son’s absence. “It is indeed the first victory where my whole world is not with me; I would like him to be there,” he said, according to Radio-Canada.He added, “I want to use this mandate to do something for people like David,” according to Radio-Canada.