A dad's devastating social media post has gone viral after revealing his daughter passed away following a battle with Lyme disease.
President of the Canadian drugstore chain Jean Coutu Group, Alain Champagne, revealed that 22-year-old Amélie Champagne took her own life on September 11.
The father broke the heartbreaking news on LinkedIn, and since posting the message, it has gained almost 8,000 likes and 1,500 comments.
Months after Amélie finally received a diagnosis for her years-long health issues, her dad wrote to his followers: “To my LinkedIn community...while I never do personal posts, I wanted to share this...It is with the heaviest of hearts (and still in shock) that I share the tragic news that our sweetheart Amelie (22) took her own life this past Sunday."
The moving post outlined how tick-borne infection had taken a toll on his daughter, and ultimately "hijacked" her brain.
Mr Champagne went on to say that his family saw just how challenging life with Lyme disease could be.
He wrote: "We were witnesses as to how challenging life had become for her in dealing with the evolving Lyme disease symptoms (after years of medical errance and finally getting a positive test in the US this past June, over time and despite the recent treatments, the disease had evolved way beyond the numerous physical symptoms and was now severely impacting her brain).
"Over time, Lyme essentially highjacked her…She was so courageous throughout this ordeal…she decided to free herself from the unbearable pain.
The touching post praised "courageous" Amélie, saying that “despite the struggles of the past few years” she continued studying university, and kept working at a respite centre for children with disabilities.
Throughout the ordeal, the 22-year-old also volunteered at a homeless shelter.
He added: "“The resilience and continued optimism she displayed while dealing with the ever increasing symptoms was and remains my main source of inspiration."
The grieving father said his daughter “remained ever the vibrant/fun-loving friend and member of our family” who left a long-lasting impression through her “engaging and empathetic personality”.
Tragically, while Amélie tried to stay optimistic, she passed away at the beginning of the month.
The family are keeping their hopes up and are too remaining resilient through the difficult times, with Mr Champagne writing: “We are confident she is now in peace and that her spirit is shining bright upon the large number of people she touched over her short stay with us."
However, the grief-stricken dad has admitted that “every day is extremely difficult” and “a long road lies in front” for his family and Amélie's loved ones.
Still coming to terms with the death of his daughter, he said that the family and her boyfriend Nic are “leaning on each other” during this difficult period.
The president wrote: “Despite the fact that every breath and every moment is painful at this stage, in her honour we will try to keep living our lives with the same altitude she lived hers.
“A long road lies in front of us (every day)…We are hopeful the Amelie is now in a position to help guide and support us through it.
“We will love you forever, and cherish every memory of our wonderful time together. You made us all better people. It’s now up to us to rise up to the challenge…”
According to the LinkedIn post, Amélie leaves behind her mother Joanne, father Alain, brother Mathieu and her boyfriend Nic.
What is Lyme disease?
Lyme disease is an infection that is caught from the bite of an infected tick.
The typical symptoms can cause flu-like symptoms including fever, headache, fatigue and a skin rash.
The rash itself can appear up to three months after being bitten by an infected tick, but usually appears within one to four weeks
And while it is treatable with antibiotics, a delay in diagnosis can be critical.
Patients who do not start treatment soon can develop long-term health problems.
If left untreated, the infection can spread to joints, the heart and the nervous system.
Not all ticks carry the bacteria that causes Lyme disease, but it is important to be aware of ticks on the body and safely remove them as soon as possible - just in case.
High-risk places include grassy and wooded areas and so you can reduce your chance of getting Lyme disease by covering your skin when you're outdoors, staying on footpaths and using insect repellent.
The Samaritans is available 24/7 if you need to talk. You can contact them for free by calling 116 123, email jo@samaritans.org or head to the website to find your nearest branch. You matter.
