Montreal firefighters join forces with the MUHC Foundation to support brain cancer research

Gabriel Thibert, a 39-year-old firefighter and lieutenant at Station 41, has spent nearly two decades risking his life to protect others. But one day, at the peak of his career, Gabriel found himself fighting a battle that was far different from anything he had ever faced before—stage 4 glioblastoma, an aggressive and often terminal form of brain cancer.

As a devoted husband and father of two young girls, the diagnosis was nothing short of devastating. “When you’re told you have 12 to 18 months to live, your whole world shifts,” Gabriel said. “The scariest part wasn’t the diagnosis—it was telling the people I love most. My wife, my kids. How do you prepare them for that?”

The news sent shockwaves through Gabriel’s colleagues, especially Alex Kheir, Gabriel’s friend and colleague who worked alongside him for almost a decade. Heartbroken by Gabriel's diagnosis, Alex immediately sought a way to help. "As firefighters, we’re trained to respond, and to step up when others need us. Gabriel has spent almost two decades doing just that. I couldn’t look at him and do nothing," explains Alex.

Alex partnered with the MUHC Foundation to raise funds for glioblastoma research at the MUHC’s Research Institute (The Institute), home to one of Canada’s largest adult cancer research centres. 

Dr. Bassam Abdulkarim, Gabriel’s oncologist, who has been working tirelessly to improve treatment options for glioblastoma, explains, “Our mission is to give hope where hope is scarce. Glioblastoma is one of the most aggressive forms of brain cancer, but with advanced research, we are working to better understand this disease and find new ways to treat it.”

In just one year, Montreal’s firefighters came together to raise more than $100,000 for glioblastoma research. Their support is fueling essential research aimed at finding a cure. 

“I am so grateful for the support from Montreal firefighters,” says Dr. Abdulkarim. “The role of donors in advancing cancer research cannot be understated. While the seeds get planted in the lab, that extra support from the MUHC Foundation enables those seeds to grow into something that can change someone’s life.”

Thirty-one firefighters from across the city have now signed up to run in the MUHC Foundation’s Breakthrough Run during the Montreal Marathon. Their team, La grande famille des pompiers de Montréal, is raising awareness and funds to continue supporting glioblastoma research at the MUHC.

“We are incredibly proud to stand with Gabriel, Alex, and Station 41 in this vital cause. Thanks to their generosity and the courage of this team, we are advancing research that could change and save lives—not only for patients today, but for generations to come,” shares Marie-Hélène Laramée, President and CEO of the MUHC Foundation.

For many of these firefighters, the cause is personal. Research suggests that the carcinogens firefighters are exposed to—such as the “forever chemicals” PFAS found in firefighting gear—may be linked to cancers like glioblastoma. In fact, in 2025, brain cancer was added to a list of cancers considered potential occupational diseases among firefighters. This connection adds an even deeper layer of meaning to their support for Gabriel’s fight.

Despite the overwhelming challenges, Gabriel has embraced life more than ever. Recently, he crossed another item off his bucket list with a trip to Peru. "Sometimes it takes something like this to wake you up,” he says. “I hope others don’t need a diagnosis like mine to start truly living.”

In the midst of his battle, Gabriel was also honoured with a promotion to captain. “It’s a beautiful gesture,” he shared, “but I would trade it in a second to be back at the station doing what I love.”

Gabriel’s story is one of courage, strength, and the power of community. “We’ve served Montreal for 17 years,” said Alex. “Supporting research in our city is just another way to serve our community.”

Gabriel is not fighting alone. He and his family have placed their trust in the researchers at the MUHC, who are working tirelessly to advance glioblastoma treatment. But research can’t progress without support, and the MUHC Foundation invites you to join the growing community rallying behind Gabriel. Every step we take together brings us closer to a breakthrough.

Support La grande famille des pompiers de Montréal at the MUHC Foundation’s Breakthrough Run today.