Para hockey athlete Raphaëlle Tousignant, who made history as the first woman to represent Canada in a significant international event, revealed that she has been diagnosed with breast cancer. In a recent Instagram post, she shared, “I never anticipated saying these words again — not now, not anytime soon. However, life has its own plans. About a week ago, I received the diagnosis of breast cancer.”
Having undergone a leg amputation due to bone cancer at the age of 10, Tousignant, hailing from Terrebonne, Quebec, joined the Canadian women’s Para hockey squad at 14. She swiftly rose as one of the key players in the program and, in 2023, secured a spot on Canada’s national team for a world championship, becoming the first woman to do so.
At 23 years old, Tousignant had her sights set on becoming the initial female Para hockey competitor for Canada at the 2026 Paralympic Games in Milan-Cortina, Italy. Despite being technically mixed-gender, Para hockey at the Paralympics has seen only three women participate, two from Norway and one from China. Notably, teams can expand their rosters to 18 players to include a female athlete.
Despite the cancer diagnosis, Tousignant remains determined to pursue her dream. She expressed, “These upcoming months were meant to be the final sprint towards the Games, an opportunity to secure my place. I refuse to allow this setback to hinder me.” She added, “I am uncertain of the feasibility or plausibility at this juncture. All I know is that each workout and ice session now holds a deeper significance—a source of motivation and focus.”
Tousignant played a pivotal role in Canada’s silver medal victory at the inaugural world women’s Para hockey championship in Dolný Kubín, Slovakia, in August. She emphasized, “This development marks a new chapter in my journey—not the conclusion. I am navigating this one day at a time, surrounded by love, fortitude, and an unwavering determination.”
The courageous athlete affirmed her commitment to continue striving towards her aspirations until the very last moment, with a renewed sense of purpose and resilience, as she confronts the challenges posed by her health condition.
