Noah Dugas · #71
Noah’s Story
A healthy, talented 13-year-old who loved hockey, the lake and his family, and whose courage continues to inspire thousands.
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Noah Dugas’ Story, in his family’s words
2020
Noah’s journey
February 2020
Noah starts to feel unwell
Noah Dugas was a young, healthy and vibrant 13-year-old. He enjoyed the outdoors and being active. His main passion was hockey, but he also loved waterskiing, dirt biking, fishing and so many other sports. Not only did Noah excel in athletics, he was also an honour student with a love and gift for music. He took pride in his health, eating well and working out daily.
It was completely unexpected when Noah started to feel unwell while playing hockey in February 2020. He developed sudden headaches and diminished vision on his right side. Nothing concerning was originally identified, so his initial treatment followed general concussion protocols.
It wasn’t until March 13th that an optometrist appointment urgently led us to the ER for a CT scan. That was the day we learned that Noah had suffered a stroke.
Mid-March 2020
Noah admitted to hospital
We immediately drove to the Children’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario (CHEO) in Ottawa, where Noah spent the next week undergoing multiple tests. He was such a trooper through it all, always thanking the nurses and doctors, even when uncomfortable procedures needed to be repeated.
Doctors were unable to determine the cause of the stroke, so Noah was prescribed blood thinners for six months to help dissolve the clot and prevent new ones. That also meant no contact sports.
Summer 2020
Best summer ever!
Despite the restrictions, Noah cautiously worked out every day and was more determined than ever to return stronger to the sports he loved. He spent the best summer of his life enjoying the lake, fishing and spending time with family and friends.
Once he completed his treatment, he was finally able to waterski, ride his dirt bike and play hockey once again.
End of August 2020
Symptoms return
On August 29th, Noah’s symptoms returned and he was rushed to SickKids Hospital in Toronto, where an MRI revealed another stroke from blood clots. This is when the #NoahStrong movement emerged.
We received tremendous support from family, friends, our community and even hockey stars such as Auston Matthews, Jonathan Toews and John Tavares. Noah’s story was featured by Ron MacLean on Hockey Night in Canada during the Stanley Cup playoffs.
CTV News Northern Ontario feature on Noah September – October 2020
Continued challenges
Noah fought very hard as he faced mounting challenges. He was unable to speak or move his arms and legs. He slowly regained movement in his left arm and leg and began communicating through an alphabet board. At Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital, our brave boy found his strength, his humour and his positive outlook despite this enormous battle.
As part of his schoolwork at Bloorview, Noah developed a series of affirmations that described his character, words that continue to guide us today.
- I am kind.
- I am strong.
- I am helpful.
- I am a leader.
- I can do hard things.
- I can reach my goals.
- I am resilient.
- I am brave.
- I am loved.
November 2020
Noah’s passing and legacy
On November 13th, 2020 an unexpected brain bleed took Noah Dugas’ life. A family and a community were left to mourn this beautiful young soul.
His final gift was enriching seven lives through organ donation. Noah left an incredible mark on the world by showing such strength, compassion and resiliency. He united a community that rallied around him and his family, and for this the Dugas family is eternally grateful.
Noah’s affirmations inspired the creation of NoahStrong, which honours his legacy by supporting youth, families and communities through the promotion, facilitation and celebration of acts of kindness, selflessness and resiliency. NoahStrong forever!
Seven (7) lives saved by one (1) incredible young man.
Noah proudly wore #71 on his jersey. His organ donation gave hope and health to seven individuals and their families. The number 71 continues to remind us how special Noah was, and how his story of selflessness and courage can inspire conversations and action around organ donation.
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