Meet Mélanie

By Mélanie Lauzon


My name is Mélanie Lauzon and I come from St-Jérome, though I've been in St-Eustache for several years now. I've been working for SCD for nearly 11 years. Back after my second maternity leave, I heard about a group that was getting together to climb Mount Kilimanjaro. Going through a divorce and a very difficult situation at home, I needed something special to find myself again. So when my friend Linda told me about it, I immediately wanted to join this wonderful adventure.

Sports and physical activity hadn't been part of my life for some time and I was keen to put that right. I signed up for a session of Boxing/Keep Fit near home and it was an eye-opener for me. I'd never perspired so much in all my life! And, as for boxing.....when you're going through an unwelcome separation, there's nothing like it for letting off steam!!! I do some cycling with my sister and some jogging. I also had plans to start some trekking, as soon as my house was sold and I had moved into my new home. One thing at a time.....

So, why a challenge like Kilimanjaro? Everyday routine, two pregnancies, one after the other, a new house and so on meant that I devoted myself to my husband and the children, neglecting my own health and well-being. The Kili project will allow me to look after myself for a change, stock up on energy, confront my fears and anxieties, grow and realize my potential. I'm going just as I am at the moment. Who knows - maybe I'll come back a better person.


Translated by Pamela Gauvin