Sherbrook activist dies of ALS

Sherbrook activist Lisette Joel, who has suffered from amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) since February 2019, died suddenly on Sunday.

Her husband, former journalist Mario Cowbell, is quiet. “You can fight two cancers and be happy with ALS for 3 years, 1 month and 1 day. I think Lisette is happy,” he told TVA Nouvelles.

Although he admits that the last few months have been very difficult he was too.

“It was hard for me to come to an end, it was so hard. Me, I’m a close boyfriend, not a close help. I loved my wife and took care of her, but I never thought it would be so hard to face ALS as a close boyfriend.”

The younger sister of artist Chloé Sainte-Marie, who celebrated her 62nd birthday on January 26, is known for her determination and fighting spirit.

After battling two cancers, she and her husband Mario Coupe fought against the Quebec government. For months, they tried to persuade him to make available a drug called edarone, which reduces the development of ALS, which affects about 600 people in Quebec.

They were finally successful from April 2020, when the substance was added to the list of drugs under the Quebec Drug Insurance Program.

This achievement makes Chloé Sainte-Marie proud, and she admits that in recent years she has struggled to see her sister suffer the most.

He agreed to share his tribute to TVA Novellas:

Resistance

Pain

Expansion

Pain

The main desire for success

With each stimulus of pain.

My little sister Lisette

Just won the country

Of the rising sun

In full spring awakening.

She took it on herself

Disease burden

With the help of the husband

In Mario Cowboy.

The winners are themselves

For all of Quebec

To be accepted

By political officials

Drug sales

Allowing to treat

ALS … Lou Kehring disease

With the help of who allowed him

To extend Mario’s life

Suddenly for more than a year

To extend hope to all.

Today, I, his sister witness,

I cry with pride for the fight

She did it on behalf of everyone.

Thanks again to Quebec

What did you do.

All I can say is immense pride

I feel proud of my little sister.