Claude Mongeau: Redefining life after a rare cancer diagnosis

For Claude Mongeau, a rare cancer diagnosis wasn’t the end—it was the beginning of a new chapter in the life of the former president and CEO of Canadian National Railway (CNR). Claude sat down with the MUHC Foundation on his birthday to share his beautiful story of resilience, determination, and a new outlook on life after a difficult cancer diagnosis.

In 2014, while leading CNR, Claude began experiencing fatigue and changes in his voice. When he lost the ability to speak, he sought medical attention, which revealed a large mass near his vocal cords. Initially believed to be benign, the growth quickly returned, and further tests confirmed a rare cancer: liposarcoma. Even more uncommon was its location, as liposarcoma is typically found in the limbs—not the larynx. Faced with this life-changing diagnosis, Claude approached his health as he would a business challenge. 

“I treated it like a problem to solve. I even sought a second opinion to ensure we had the right plan,” he recalls. The solution was drastic: a total laryngectomy to remove his vocal cords.

Before his surgery at the MUHC, Claude showed his family videos of individuals learning to speak with assistive devices. “I wasn’t worried; I was determined. We’d overcome this together, and it would become our new normal.”

After a successful surgery and radiation therapy, Claude returned to work. But he soon realized the demands of his CEO role—meeting people, leading discussions, and public speaking—were no longer practical at the level required. 

“If Wayne Gretzky loses a toe, he won’t play as well, right?” he joked. In 2016, he stepped down to focus on a new chapter of his life.

Claude’s lighthearted demeanor signalled something important: Despite having been through so much, he never lost sight of who he was. And importantly, he understood that who we are isn’t always defined by what we do for a living, but where we find meaning.

“At first, I focused on everything I couldn’t do anymore. But I soon realized there were so many things I could do now—like spend more time with my family, watch my kids grow into their adult lives, and pursue my passion of fly-fishing salmon.”

Claude’s transition wasn’t easy, but he found that a shift in perspective helped him find purpose again.

“I don’t want to diminish the fact that a cancer diagnosis is life-changing, but it’s life-changing in more than one way—I’m incredibly grateful for the ability to find the positives in my journey, and much of that is thanks to the exceptional care I received at the MUHC."

Claude’s shift in focus extended to philanthropy. Through the Mongeau Family Foundation, he supports the MUHC Foundation and their $200M Dream Big: End Cancer campaign. One area he’s particularly passionate about is liquid biopsy—a groundbreaking, minimally invasive technique that uses blood, urine, or saliva to detect and monitor cancer.

“This research is changing the landscape of cancer care,” says Dr. Julia Burnier, Scientist at the RI-MUHC and leader in liquid biopsy research. “It allows us to detect cancer earlier, monitor its progression, and develop personalized treatments. We’re uncovering cancer’s weaknesses and finding better ways to fight back.”

Dr. Anthony Zeitouni, an Ear, Nose, and Throat (ENT) specialist and Claude’s surgeon, adds, “One of the greatest aspects of my job is seeing my patients doing so well years after their diagnosis. Cancer is a difficult disease on so many levels, but Claude has found peace with it along the way, and that’s very special.”

For Claude, supporting this research is deeply personal. “Cancer isn’t just one disease—it’s hundreds. That’s why personalized medicine is essential. With liquid biopsy, we’re making incredible strides, but every dollar counts. Donations to the MUHC Foundation fuel this progress and give hope to so many affected people.”

As we mark World Cancer Day on February 4th, Claude’s story is a powerful reminder that even the most challenging journeys can lead to meaningful change. Every donation brings us closer to a future where cancer is not just treated but defeated.

“At the MUHC Foundation, we are committed to advancing cancer care and research so that every patient, like Claude, can have access to the very best treatments,” says Marie-Hélène Laramée, President and CEO of the MUHC Foundation. “There is so much possibility and everyone who donates to our End Cancer campaign gets to be a part of it.”

Join the fight against cancer by supporting the MUHC Foundation this World Cancer Day and help fund life-saving research like liquid biopsy. For a limited time, every dollar you donate will be matched by Heritage MD, doubling your impact up to $25,000. 

Click here to donate today. 

With your support, we can make a difference—because every dollar has the potential to save a life.