More than $335,000 was raised as part of ALS Québec’s cycling challenge, an event that brings together a community built on solidarity to support people living with ALS and their families.
Montreal, August 18, 2025 – ALS Quebec is proud to report outstanding results from the 18th edition of RIDE ALS Québec, which took place on August 16 and 17 in the Joliette region. More than 200 cyclists and volunteers came together, raising over $335,000 to support research and improve the quality of life for people living with ALS and their families.
The ALS community gathered throughout the weekend at Hôtel Château Joliette in a warm and supportive atmosphere. Cyclists of all levels rode between 60 and 100 km across several municipalities in the region, while others chose to participate virtually at their own pace during the summer.
Stories of Courage and Commitment
Among the participants, several people living with ALS took part in the event. Carl L’Archevêque, from Terrebonne, who has been living with the disease since 2015, joined as a cyclist. Despite the challenges of ALS, Carl shared a message of hope before the riders set out: “Thank you all for being here today. This is my second time participating, and as someone living with ALS, it is very important for me to ride alongside you to support the cause. I will continue to do so for as long as I can.” His words, met with applause, reflected the resilience and solidarity that define RIDE ALS Quebec.
Researchers Standing with the Community
The event also brought together several researchers and healthcare professionals dedicated to defeating ALS, including Dr. Geneviève Matte, Director of the ALS and Motor Neuron Disease Clinic at the CHUM, Dr. Angela Genge, Director of the ALS Centre of Excellence for Research and Patient Care at the Montreal Neurological Institute-Hospital, and Dr. Stephan Botez, neurologist at the CHUM. Their presence alongside the community strengthened the ties between people living with ALS, families, physicians, and researchers, while underscoring that research remains the greatest source of hope to better understand the disease, develop new therapies, and ultimately find a cure.
For the past 18 years, RIDE ALS Quebec has raised more than $4.5 million to support research and family services. The next edition of the RIDE ALS Quebec will take place in Nicolet on August 22 and 23, 2026.
About ALS (Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis)
ALS is a serious neurodegenerative disease that causes the progressive deterioration of motor neurons. People living with ALS gradually lose their mobility, as well as their ability to speak, eat, and eventually breathe. Each year, approximately 4,000 Canadians are diagnosed with ALS, representing two new cases per 100,000 people. In 80% of cases, life expectancy after diagnosis is two to five years.
About the ALS Society of Quebec
Founded in 1983, the ALS Society of Quebec is a non-profit organization whose mission is to improve the quality of life of people affected by ALS and their families. It also aims to raise public awareness to foster a better understanding of the disease and mobilize support for the cause, helping to fund the most promising and relevant research projects that can improve lives and ultimately lead to a cure. For more information, visit sla-quebec.ca.
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MEDIA CONTACT
Anaïs Le Bourdon
Communications and Marketing Director
ALS Society of Quebec
438-403-5756
alebourdon@sla-quebec.ca