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This spring, two extraordinary women are embarking on an adventure that goes beyond the summits: climbing two of the world’s highest mountains to support mental health. Dr. Marianne Genest, head of psychiatry at Notre-Dame Hospital, and Nathalie Ménard, mental health social worker at CIUSSS du Centre-Sud-de-l’Île-de-Montréal, are joining forces to raise awareness for a cause that affects us all.
Together with their friend Jean Roy, project manager at CGI, their goal is clear: to mobilize the community and raise funds to better support people living with mental health issues.
When mountains speak of courage
From Everest base camp, their first stop will be Ama Dablam (6,812 m). It’s a demanding mountain that requires preparation, patience, and mutual support.
Marianne will then continue on to Lhotse (8,516 m), the fourth highest peak in the world, on the border between China and Nepal.
Why is this project so moving? Because it reminds us of something simple: we don’t always choose the mountain, but we can choose not to climb it alone. These two climbs, which are extremely difficult both physically and psychologically, are a good representation of the perseverance of all those who work to improve their mental health.
Every step they take there is a way of supporting, here, the people they accompany on a daily basis in their work.
Inspiring journeys
Marianne came up with the idea and is passionately committed to the project. For years, she has been supporting vulnerable people in a variety of contexts, at home, in shelters, and even on the streets. It is this human connection and deep empathy that fuels her commitment to making a difference every day.
At her side, Nathalie Ménard, an experienced social worker, is turning a long-held dream into action. Fascinated by the beauty and strength of Ama Dablam for over fifteen years, she sees this climb as a way to pay tribute to all the people she has supported, who face immense challenges every day.
A tangible impact… and still much to be accomplished
To date, nearly $6,000 has already been raised toward a goal of $25,000. Every donation counts, truly. It’s a simple but powerful way to say: we are with you, every step of the way toward better health.
And beyond the numbers, it is the commitment of these two women that inspires us: daring to dream big, giving their all, and transforming a personal challenge into an immense act of solidarity.