Aidez Richard à recueillir des fonds

Walking for a Cause That Saved My Life: Join Me in Supporting the Fondation des Pompiers du Québec pour Les Grands Brûlés.

This year, on June 1^st, 2025, I’ll be participating in the LA COURSE DES POMPIERS 2025, not as a runner, but as a survivor, a husband, a father, and someone who nearly lost everything.

On August 7, 2024, my life changed forever.  That day, a devastating explosion at a high-end new car dealer left me with third- and fourth-degree burns on more than half my body. I was placed in a medically induced coma. I fought for my life in the ICU while my family endured unimaginable fear and uncertainty. The road since then has been long, painful, and life-altering. My injuries have left me permanently disabled. I can no longer do many of the things I once loved, but with the help of an orthosis, I can walk. And this year, I will walk for those who helped carry me when I couldn’t stand on my own.

I’m walking to raise funds for the Fondation des Pompiers du Quebec pour Les Grands Brûlés, the organization that stood by my family and me when we needed it most. They offered critical support, guidance, and resources that got us through the darkest chapter of our lives. Their compassion meant the difference between feeling abandoned and knowing we were never alone.

Now, I want to give back.

I’ll be walking in honor of every burn survivor still fighting, every family waiting outside a hospital room, and every person who needs hope. If you’ve followed my journey, supported us from afar, or just want to help a meaningful cause please consider donating to support my walk.

Behind the mission of the Foundation des Pompiers du Quebec are compassionate individuals who proudly support the cause of burn survivors in Quebec in many ways. They provide concrete means to improve treatments, care, and the rehabilitation of victims, helping them regain their well-being.  Your contribution will help continue their vital work.

Even if you can’t donate, sharing this message would mean a lot. If you know me, you know I’m practically invisible on social media, so I’m relying on you to help spread the word. No amount is too small. Every dollar helps someone survive and rebuild, just like I did.

Take one small step with me, because together, we can change lives.

Richard Papazian

Survivor

P.S. I can’t thank the incredible teams at the CHUM Burn Unit and Villa Medica enough for the expert, compassionate care that literally saved my life. Their dedication and kindness made all the difference on my road to recovery.