Tina Boileau, mother of late Jonathan Pitre, awarded honorary doctorate from uOttawa
Tina Boileau, the mother of the late Jonathan Pitre, who was known as the Butterfly Boy, has received an honorary doctorate degree from the University of Ottawa's Faculty of Medicine.
The university described Boileau as a tireless advocate for finding a cure for the rare disease that claimed her son's life.
"Tina Boileau understands that there is still much work to do to find a cure, and even more work to make this cure available. With untiring commitment and drive, she is raising awareness in order to find effective treatments that will transform epidermolysis bullosa from 'the worst disease you’ve never heard of' to 'the worst disease you’ll never hear about again because people will be cured and free from this disease.'"
Boileau shared some words about the honour on Facebook Wednesday.
"It's my deepest honour to have had the opportunity to share a few words with this body of newly graduates," she wrote. "At this point, you understand that you have the power to make a difference, so make sure to use it well. No matter the reason, your work matters!"
Boileau is the president of the non-profit group DEBRA Canada, which supports families whose children have been diagnosed with epidermolysis bullosa (EB), the rare skin condition that gave Pitre his nickname because the skin is described as being as fragile as a butterfly's wings.
In a recorded speech, Boileau encouraged graduates to use their knowledge and skills to make the world a better place.
"Medicine is one of the most respected professions in the world. Saving lives and nursing people back to health is job that has a strong sense of morality attached to it and provides professionals with immense satisfaction," she said. "During your career, you will take care of people and teach them to take care of themselves and their loved ones."
Pitre died April 4, 2018 at the age of 17.
Boileau spoke of the medical professionals who helped to care for him throughout his life.
"Jonathan and I had an amazing team of medical experts who became part of our family and definitely part of our lifeline," she said.
"Over the years, Jonathan became the son and the brother of everyone in the Ottawa region. Our openness to share with the world our ups and downs of our battle with EB gave people hope for brighter days ahead," she said, encouraging graduates to be supportive and compassionate caregivers to their patients and the broader community.
"I want to remind you to never stop learning, and never forget that your work sometimes provides an extension of life that is sometimes borrowed," Boileau said in closing. "No matter what, remember to be role models to others, be compassionate, be life changers. You are doctors and researchers. Work tirelessly in providing quality health care, go save lives, and spread the hope."
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
One dead after potential wrong way crash on Highway 401 in Milton: OPP
One person is dead and another is in life-threatening condition after a driver was travelling in the wrong direction on Highway 401 in Milton Sunday, according to police.
Trudeau 'absolutely' best person to lead the Liberals in next election: LeBlanc insists
Cabinet minister Dominic LeBlanc insists he's not planning a leadership campaign to head the Liberal party, should current leader and Prime Minister Justin Trudeau resign, seemingly quashing rumours he's planning to make a move for his boss' job.
Montreal man on the hook for thousands of dollars after a feature on his Tesla caused an accident
A Montreal man is warning Tesla drivers about using the Smart Summon feature after his vehicle hit another in a parking lot.
Video shows gaggle of geese stopping traffic on Highway 1 near Vancouver
A mother goose and her goslings caused a bit of a traffic jam on a busty stretch of the Trans-Canada Highway near Vancouver Saturday.
'The Fall Guy' gives Hollywood a muted summer kickoff with a US$28.5M opening
"The Fall Guy," the Ryan Gosling-led, action-comedy ode to stunt performers, opened below expectations with US$28.5 million, according to studio estimates Sunday, providing a lukewarm start to a summer movie season that's very much to be determined for Hollywood.
Madonna's biggest-ever concert transforms Rio's Copacabana beach into a massive dance floor
Madonna put on a free concert on Copacabana beach Saturday night, turning Rio de Janeiro's vast stretch of sand into an enormous dance floor teeming with a multitude of her fans.
William Shatner says he would consider 'Star Trek' return: 'Here comes Captain Kirk!'
The Montreal-born actor, famed for his portrayal of Captain Kirk in "Star Trek," says he is open to reprising the iconic role in the sci-fi franchise as long as the storytelling is stellar.
opinion You don't need to be an influencer to earn income from social media
How legitimate are claims by some content creators that the average person can earn passive income from social media platforms like TikTok and Instagram? Personal finance columnist Christopher Liew says it's quite possible, if you're willing to put in the initial time and effort.
‘Love has no boundaries’: Sask. couple in their 90s and 80s get married
Eighty-two-year-old Susan Neufeldt and 90-year-old Ulrich Richter are no spring chickens, but their love blossomed over the weekend with their wedding at Pine View Manor just outside of Rosthern.