Jean Légaré worked in telecommunications engineering for over 31 years. He was diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis at the age of 38, in 1985. This disease drastically changed his life and that of his family. As a result of his medical condition, he was hospitalized and underwent five surgeries to both hands and both feet. Jean Légaré joined the Association of Arthritic Quebec as a board member and was treasurer until 1999. His analytical skills and competence as an orator led him later to join the Advocacy Committee of Arthritic Patients. He is facilitator of the Patients' Forum, which seeks to better disseminate information about the disease and recent developments in research about relief. Jean Légaré’s commitment then spread nationwide when he joined the Canadian Arthritis Patient Alliance and the Canadian Arthritis Network, of which he was made an emeritus member in 2007. He is dedicated to helping fellow Canadians living with arthritis. He has participated in many media events and is frequently asked to be a spokesperson on arthritis issues. In addition to these activities, Jean Légaré has actively participated in dozens of clinical research projects, which has led him to engage in the Steering Committee of the Research Fund for Arthritis and Rheumatic Diseases at Université Laval. He has also frequently shared his engaging personal testimony, popular with students and medical residents alike. In 2003, he was awarded the Commemorative Medal for the Golden Jubilee of Queen Elizabeth II for his outstanding contribution and importance to the country, to his fellow-citizens and to the Arthritis Society of Canada.