Jean Légaré, PhD - Consumer “Extraordinaire”

Consumer, patient “extraordinaire”. Jean Légaré grabbed our attention when he became the first arthritis consumer to receive an honorary PhD - doctorat honoris causa - for his contribution to Rheumatology.

The invitation to the Laval University November 8th ceremony where Jean received this PhD, identified him a member emeritus of the Consumer Advisory Council (CAC) of the Canadian Arthritis Network Centre of Excellence. The CAC is just one of the many arthritis related organizations that he has contributed to over the years. He is a founding member of the Canadian Arthritis Patient Alliance; member of the Patient Partners in Arthritis Program; collaborator on the Tooling Up For Early Osteoarthritis research study; and a consumer representative on the Canadian Institute of Health Research peer review committee.

Fifteen years ago, 62-year-old Jean was in a wheelchair due to debilitating Rheumatoid Arthritis. Diagnosed at 38, Jean has been a tireless advocate for adequate funding of arthritis research. Today he credits research and new treatments for eliminating his need for a wheelchair and improving his quality of life.

Jean’s story is fascinating. As a young forestry student at Laval, Jean categorically refused to study Philosophy. He thought it was a waste of time and because he hated the course, he didn’t do well in it. He eventually abandoned his studies and took a position with Bell Canada. It is ironic that decades later, Jean’s arthritis advocacy work is being recognized with an honourary doctorate by the same University.

Jean is a modest, helpful, and ever efficient problem solver. He has used his four decades as a businessman to help arthritis consumers gain acceptance within the ranks of consumer driven research and advocacy for a “world free of arthritis”. As Denis Morrice put it, “The moment you said, ‘This meeting is important’, Jean was there.” Those of us who have had the pleasure of working with Jean, appreciate his wisdom and thoughtful perspective as he helps us reach our personal and arthritis advocacy goals.

Drs. Sylvain Bourgoin and Paul Naccache recommended Jean for this honourary PhD. They wanted to recognize his years of volunteerism representing and defining the interest of patients with all forms of arthritis. He is a fervent supporter of research. . His message is simple: Fund the best. Excellence must be foremost.

“For consumers, Jean has been a passionate advocate who has helped pave the way for arthritis consumers in our community”, says Louise Bergeron, CAPA President. Louise credits Jean for crystallizing her commitment to become an arthritis advocate.

Jean has been a Patient Partner for over five years, and one of the original members in Quebec. He was instrumental in establishing the group and remains a driving force in Patient Partners within the community and university settings.

Jean worked tirelessly for two years to develop a glossary of arthritis terms. You can find it by clicking on: http://net.arthritisresearch.ca/oapublic/glossary/aboutglossary.html. This living document, written in lay language, has brought the world of arthritis research to all, and Jean continues to keep it up to date. It's an invaluable resource that many of us use frequently.

Delia Cooper, Co-chair of CAC describes him as a man who always responds to messages, never forgets to do what he says he will do, and is an inspiration to all.. Linda Wilhelm concurs. “Jean’s passion for improving the lives of people living with arthritis is an inspiration to me. People with arthritis owe him a great debt of gratitude for helping pave the way for us, making our jobs easier”.

Jean’s energy, determination, commitment and clarity of vision are exemplary. He's a true consumer extraordinaire.