Tanya Gascon: A Clinic, A New Life

Tanya Gascon’s life changed one spring morning in 2013. She didn’t know it at the time, but stepping into the Centre Multisports would mark the beginning of a long and transformative journey.

Diagnosed with fibrous dysplasia at the age of three, Tanya has lived her entire life as if the bones in the lower half of her body were as fragile as celery stalks. With plates and screws in her hips and left ankle, walking is a challenge. Her heart beats like that of a seasoned runner. That spring morning, she came to the Centre Multisports with a simple goal: shed a few extra pounds. Why this particular place? Because it had a daycare—and she had three kids.

It was there that she met Vincent Proulx, a kinesiologist at the medico-sports clinic—at the time still formally known as the “musculoskeletal clinic.” Twice a week, he helped stabilize her upper body and supervised her closely through every step of her fitness program. Slowly but surely, the young mother began to improve. She could walk further than her usual 200 meters, climb a full flight of stairs without stopping on each step, and get through an entire grocery trip without collapsing from fatigue.

When asked about the clinic’s impact on her life, Tanya smiles and replies without hesitation:

“The clinic has greatly improved my quality of life. I’m even more patient with my kids! I’ve come a long way, I’m progressing fast, and I set goals because I see my potential—and I talk about them with Vincent. Without a doubt, the clinic improved my life 200%. It gave me the desire to push myself.”

They say the clinic doesn’t work miracles—and that’s true. But it does something almost as valuable: it supports brave athletes and determined patients, including those dealing with rare and stubborn conditions.