Wilson Sanon

A little over twenty years ago, sickle cell anemia, also known as sickle cell disease, was completely unknown to the public. Unfortunately, this disease was not better known in the health care community. Is it possible that a hemoglobinopathy that causes severe pain, a host of health complications such as stroke, acute chest syndrome and bone necrosis, is not well known? Wilson Sanon has been a strong advocate for changing the ignorance regarding this disease. Sanon’s transformative vision has remained solid and strong throughout the years. This determined vision is to obtain adequate medical services to surround, help and give hope to these children, their parents and their families. Sickle cell disease strikes more than 5,000 Canadians each year. This vision, like a beacon in the night, allowed Wilson Sanon to establish a Quebec provincial patient association and then to be a founding member of the Canadian National Sickle Cell Association. Wilson Sanon’s personal dedication, energy and passion has been a daily commitment to advancing science throughout his lifetime. Wilson knows intimately the profound impact of isolation caused by this disease as he is the father of several children with sickle cell anemia causing pain and helplessness as there is no cure yet. Thanks to Wilson Sanon’s courage, for more than two decades now, those who suffer from this orphan disease have had a voice. It would take pages and pages to talk about all that Wilson has done to help families and children in Quebec. Thanks to him, a clinic for adults with sickle cell disease was opened at the CHUM. He campaigned for 10 years for the adoption of newborn screening for sickle cell disease for all newborns in Quebec, a bill that was finally passed in 2013. He organizes blood drives, fundraising campaigns, participates in the Montreal Marathon to raise funds to implement all kinds of projects and activities for the well-being and benefit of families affected by sickle cell disease.

Here are some of its many accomplishments:

• Establishment of a massage therapy clinic at Sainte-Justine Hospital in Montreal, serving hospitalized children with sickle cell disease free of charge during their stay.
• For more than ten years, organization of a family summer camp in nature, bringing respite to both children and their families by offering refreshing summer activities (swimming, kayaking, horseback riding, archery, circus games, campfire, etc.).
• Training workshops with specialists in the health field.
• Respite sessions for mothers of children with sickle cell disease, offering half days of relaxation with manicures and pedicures.
• Networking events for young adults with Sickle Cell Disease to make connections and break the isolation.
• Annual fundraising gala provides the funding necessary to develop initiatives and activities for children and families year after year.
• Annual symposium providing lectures to educate and inform, especially on the latest scientific advances related to sickle cell disease.

In February 2018, Wilson Sanon was awarded the Knight of the National Order of Quebec, one of the province’s highest honors.  The Premier at the time, summed up Wilson Sanon’s brilliant career when he said to him upon receiving his medal: “You have transformed your pain into a social mission.”

Thus is summarized in a few words, Wilson Sanon’s exceptional approach.