Zackary’s journey from spinal surgery to BMX highlights 35th anniversary of Pedal for Kids in Montreal
Posted June 12, 2026 12:18 pm.
Last Updated June 12, 2026 4:37 pm.
Two years ago, Zackary was recovering from spinal surgery. Today, the 10-year-old rides BMX bikes with confidence, competes, and serves as the face of one of Quebec’s longest-running charitable cycling events.
Born with cerebral palsy, Zackary underwent spinal surgery at The Montreal Children’s Hospital that improved his mobility and helped him achieve a goal he once thought was out of reach: learning to ride a bike.
What began as a difficult medical journey has become a story of resilience, independence, and achievement.
This week, Zackary was named the 2026 spokeschild for Pedal for Kids as the fundraiser marked its 35th anniversary, bringing together hundreds of cyclists, volunteers, and donors in support of children and families across Quebec.
His story was at the centre of this year’s event, which continues to highlight the impact donor-supported care can have on children’s lives.
A milestone year for Pedal for Kids
Over four days, participants cycled through downtown Montreal aboard the event’s signature 30-seat Mighty Bike, helping raise $560,000 for The Montreal Children’s Hospital Foundation.
Over the past 35 years, Pedal for Kids has raised more than $16 million to support innovative programs, specialized care, and leading-edge research at The Montreal Children’s Hospital, improving care for children and families across Quebec.
The milestone brought together corporate teams, volunteers, former patients, and supporters, all united by a shared goal of improving pediatric care.
“As we celebrate the 35th anniversary of Pedal for Kids, we pay tribute to the incredible community that comes together year after year to support patients at The Children’s,” said Renée Vézina, President of The Montreal Children’s Hospital Foundation. “We are deeply moved by their generosity and support.”
Pedal for Kids was co-founded by Michael Conway in memory of his daughter Meagan, who was treated at The Montreal Children’s Hospital. What began as a personal tribute has grown into one of Montreal’s most enduring philanthropic cycling events.
“When we launched Pedal for Kids, we never imagined how much the event would grow. Thirty-five years later, seeing the community continue to rally with such generosity for the children and families of The Montreal Children’s Hospital is truly extraordinary,” said Conway.
A family journey shaped by surgery and determination
For Zackary’s parents, the path to this moment began with fear and uncertainty as they prepared for his spinal surgery.
“We were really nervous because it was a big surgery. It lasted eight hours. We were very scared, but everything went great,” said his mother, Virginie Blouin.
Before the surgery, the family had spent years trying to help Zackary learn to ride a bike, without success.
“The first day we saw Zachary going on the bicycle, because he failed a lot before. We tried many times before the surgery, but it just didn’t happen,” said his father, Maxime Lessard.
After the operation, that changed. Zackary now describes a sense of freedom he had not experienced before.
“Afterwards, everything is better. After an operation, you can do what you want. It’s like it’s normal. You don’t even notice the disability—it’s like magic,” Zackary said.
He added that the change was immediate in how he felt physically and emotionally.
“Once I started walking, I had much more energy, I was freer, everything got better.”
For his parents, seeing him finally achieve his dream was deeply emotional.
“I cried. We laughed, and I cried because he wanted to be like his brother. It was hard for him because he was not able to ride his bicycle. And then he could,” said Blouin.
Pedal for Kids becomes a family mission
For the family, participating in Pedal for Kids became a way to turn their experience into something shared with others.
“The Pedal for Zachary, that was his dream—to go with his brother on the race and ride his bike. So if we can do this activity with all the family and all our friends, it’s a real occasion to talk about Zachary and everything he went through during this process,” said Maxime Lessard.
Blouin said the experience reinforced the importance of supporting other families going through similar situations.
“It’s important to let people know, it’s important to donate to kids because they need help for this. And if you can help them to have a surgery or something like this, it’s important. Just take the moment and help them,” she said.
Zackary also reflected on why he believes that support matters.
“When they donate, it’s important because it helps children with disabilities like me to be able to do sports,” he said.
A symbol of what donor support makes possible
For Renée Vézina, Zackary’s story reflects the broader impact of philanthropy on pediatric care at The Montreal Children’s Hospital.
“I always tell people philanthropy makes such a big difference because the government can’t pay just so much. But with philanthropy, you find cures, you finance special equipment, you finance innovation, and in Zackary’s case, you had the very best care right here in Montreal. We’re very fortunate to have such a world-class institution as a Children’s and amazing donors and a great community in Montreal,” she said.
As Pedal for Kids marks its 35th anniversary, organizers say stories like Zackary’s continue to define the event—turning community fundraising into care, innovation, and life-changing outcomes for children across Quebec.
