Mr. Jonathan Pitre

  • Embrun, Ontario, Canada

Meritorious Service Decorations - Civil Division

  • Meritorious Service Cross

    • Awarded on: March 18, 2020
    • Invested on: September 17, 2021

    Jonathan Pitre, M.S.C. (posthumous)
    Tina Boileau, M.S.M.
    Embrun, Ontario

    Diagnosed with epidermolysis bullosa (EB) as a newborn, Jonathan Pitre became known as the Butterfly Child and the public face of this rare, debilitating skin disorder when he bravely allowed his daily wound-care regimen to be recorded by local media. Committed to fighting the disease, he and his mother, Tina Boileau, helped raise awareness and significant funds for research, which has since led to greater support for other families affected by EB. Even though the disease eventually took Jonathan’s life, his story continues to serve as a source of inspiration to all.