Latest news with #DefeatDuchenneCanada
Cision Canada
4 days ago
- Health
- Cision Canada
National Hero John Davidson Hits the Road Once Again to Honour His Son and Push for a Cure for Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy
LONDON, ON, June 2, 2025 /CNW/ - Thirty years ago, John Davidson and his 15-year-old son Jesse captured the hearts of Canadians when John pushed Jesse across Ontario in his wheelchair to raise awareness for Duchenne muscular dystrophy. Three years later, he made the massive journey across the country. Now, approaching his 80th birthday, John is lacing up once again. On June 10, 2025, John will walk 30 kilometres from St. Thomas to London, Ontario, a symbolic route he once walked with Jesse, to commemorate 30 years since the journey that inspired the creation of Jesse's Journey (now Defeat Duchenne Canada). This special anniversary walk honours Jesse's legacy and the more than 1 in 5,000 boys affected by Duchenne, a rare and fatal genetic disorder with no cure. " When Jesse and I set out to cross Ontario in 1995, we had no idea what was ahead. But we had extreme resolve," says John. "Thirty years later, that same resolve remains solidly in place. Quitting is not an option. Everyone should try to make a difference." Since 1995, Defeat Duchenne Canada has invested nearly $19 million in 63 research projects in Canada and around the world, funding promising advancements in diagnosis, treatment, and the search for a cure. This year, the organization aims to cross a significant milestone: committing its $20 millionth dollar to Duchenne research. "What you'll see on June 10 is a dad - nearing 80 - doing his best to make a difference," John adds. "I'll be walking for Jesse, and for all the boys still waiting. I hope I see you along the road. The journey continues." Canadians across the country are invited to be part of this historic moment. Whether cheering on John along the route, donating, or sharing a message of encouragement, your support fuels hope. Learn more at About Defeat Duchenne Canada: Defeat Duchenne Canada (formerly Jesse's Journey) is the country's only national charity dedicated to ending Duchenne muscular dystrophy. Our goal is to provide leadership in research, advocacy, and support to ensure our boys can live long and active lives. About Duchenne muscular dystrophy: One in every 5,000 boys is born with Duchenne muscular dystrophy, the most common fatal form of muscular dystrophy diagnosed in children. The disease is relentless. It slowly weakens the body's muscles, deteriorating the function of vital organs and ultimately shortens their life. Although there are medical treatments that may help slow its progression, there is currently no cure and life expectancy hovers in the early thirties Social media: Facebook - @defeatduchenne Twitter - @defeatduchenne Instagram - @defeatduchenne LinkedIn - /company/defeatduchenne YouTube - /defeatduchenne SOURCE Defeat Duchenne Canada
Yahoo
4 days ago
- General
- Yahoo
National Hero John Davidson Hits the Road Once Again to Honour His Son and Push for a Cure for Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy
LONDON, ON, June 2, 2025 /CNW/ - Thirty years ago, John Davidson and his 15-year-old son Jesse captured the hearts of Canadians when John pushed Jesse across Ontario in his wheelchair to raise awareness for Duchenne muscular dystrophy. Three years later, he made the massive journey across the country. Now, approaching his 80th birthday, John is lacing up once again. On June 10, 2025, John will walk 30 kilometres from St. Thomas to London, Ontario, a symbolic route he once walked with Jesse, to commemorate 30 years since the journey that inspired the creation of Jesse's Journey (now Defeat Duchenne Canada). This special anniversary walk honours Jesse's legacy and the more than 1 in 5,000 boys affected by Duchenne, a rare and fatal genetic disorder with no cure. "When Jesse and I set out to cross Ontario in 1995, we had no idea what was ahead. But we had extreme resolve," says John. "Thirty years later, that same resolve remains solidly in place. Quitting is not an option. Everyone should try to make a difference." Since 1995, Defeat Duchenne Canada has invested nearly $19 million in 63 research projects in Canada and around the world, funding promising advancements in diagnosis, treatment, and the search for a cure. This year, the organization aims to cross a significant milestone: committing its $20 millionth dollar to Duchenne research. "What you'll see on June 10 is a dad - nearing 80 - doing his best to make a difference," John adds. "I'll be walking for Jesse, and for all the boys still waiting. I hope I see you along the road. The journey continues." Canadians across the country are invited to be part of this historic moment. Whether cheering on John along the route, donating, or sharing a message of encouragement, your support fuels hope. Learn more at About Defeat Duchenne Canada: Defeat Duchenne Canada (formerly Jesse's Journey) is the country's only national charity dedicated to ending Duchenne muscular dystrophy. Our goal is to provide leadership in research, advocacy, and support to ensure our boys can live long and active lives. About Duchenne muscular dystrophy: One in every 5,000 boys is born with Duchenne muscular dystrophy, the most common fatal form of muscular dystrophy diagnosed in children. The disease is relentless. It slowly weakens the body's muscles, deteriorating the function of vital organs and ultimately shortens their life. Although there are medical treatments that may help slow its progression, there is currently no cure and life expectancy hovers in the early thirties Website: Social media: Facebook - @defeatduchenneTwitter - @defeatduchenneInstagram - @defeatduchenneLinkedIn - /company/defeatduchenneYouTube - /defeatduchenne SOURCE Defeat Duchenne Canada View original content to download multimedia: Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Cision Canada
19-05-2025
- Health
- Cision Canada
Families Across Canada Walk for Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy
LONDON, ON, May 19, 2025 /CNW/ - On May 25, Canadians are walking, running, and rolling in support of the 30th annual Walk to Defeat Duchenne, the country's only national event dedicated to raising awareness and funds for Duchenne muscular dystrophy. Duchenne is a rare, life-shortening genetic disorder that is characterized by progressive muscle weakening. Most boys lose the ability to walk by the time they reach their early teens and face life-threatening complications by their twenties. Treatments exist in Europe and the United States of America. Due to Canada's complex approval process, no approved therapies are currently available to Canadian families. This is a dire situation that Defeat Duchenne Canada is on a mission to see come to an end. However, they cannot achieve this alone. This year, in celebration of the charity's 30th anniversary, the Canadian Duchenne community is determined to reach a remarkable goal of $300,000 - the highest fundraising achievement yet through the walk. "This movement began thirty years ago with one father pushing his son in his wheelchair across Ontario and later walking solo across Canada to raise awareness and funds for Duchenne muscular dystrophy. Today, the movement is carried by families and supporters from coast to coast," says Lisa McCoy, CEO of Defeat Duchenne Canada. "It's proof that even one person can change the future of Duchenne. Every step taken, every dollar raised, brings us closer to better treatments and a better life for the children and families counting on us." For Duchenne mothers like Natasha Chahal, the Walk to Defeat Duchenne represents a powerful act of hope for a better life for her son. "It was a grieving process. There was nothing we could do, but surely there must be something," Natasha Chahal says. "I scoured the internet for months after, looking for anything that could help. I joined groups, but there was nothing - just a lot of helpless parents needing treatment for their children." 500 people are Walking to Defeat Duchenne. Funds raised support activities to improve the quality of life and care for families affected by Duchenne, research for improved treatments, advocacy for treatment access, and education and support resources for families. The Chahal family story is echoed across the country by parents walking for their children and for the future of others living with Duchenne. "If asking for your generosity and support is the best that we as parents can do to help our son, then this is what we will do," says Duchenne mother, Ana-Maria Maldonado. "Your generosity is not just a donation, but a lifeline of hope for families like ours." To register, donate, or learn more about how to support the Walk to Defeat Duchenne, visit Sending a special thank you to our National Media Sponsor, CORUS Entertainment, for making this year's event a success. About Defeat Duchenne Canada Defeat Duchenne Canada is the country's only national charity dedicated to ending Duchenne muscular dystrophy. Our goal is to provide leadership in research, advocacy, and support to ensure every Canadian affected by Duchenne can live a long and active life. Duchenne is a rare genetic disorder that affects 1 in 5,000 male births worldwide. Around the world, 20,000 children are diagnosed with Duchenne each year. The Canadian Neuromuscular Disease Registry (CNDR) estimates there are more than 800 boys and young men living with Duchenne muscular dystrophy in Canada. While this number appears small, Duchenne is the most common form of muscular dystrophy affecting children. A Duchenne diagnosis is rarely a straightforward path, so there is a broad range in the age of diagnosis. However, most commonly, families find out their child has this disorder between the ages of two and six.
Yahoo
19-05-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Families Across Canada Walk for Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy
LONDON, ON, May 19, 2025 /CNW/ - On May 25, Canadians are walking, running, and rolling in support of the 30th annual Walk to Defeat Duchenne, the country's only national event dedicated to raising awareness and funds for Duchenne muscular dystrophy. Duchenne is a rare, life-shortening genetic disorder that is characterized by progressive muscle weakening. Most boys lose the ability to walk by the time they reach their early teens and face life-threatening complications by their twenties. Treatments exist in Europe and the United States of America. Due to Canada's complex approval process, no approved therapies are currently available to Canadian families. This is a dire situation that Defeat Duchenne Canada is on a mission to see come to an end. However, they cannot achieve this alone. This year, in celebration of the charity's 30th anniversary, the Canadian Duchenne community is determined to reach a remarkable goal of $300,000 - the highest fundraising achievement yet through the walk. "This movement began thirty years ago with one father pushing his son in his wheelchair across Ontario and later walking solo across Canada to raise awareness and funds for Duchenne muscular dystrophy. Today, the movement is carried by families and supporters from coast to coast," says Lisa McCoy, CEO of Defeat Duchenne Canada. "It's proof that even one person can change the future of Duchenne. Every step taken, every dollar raised, brings us closer to better treatments and a better life for the children and families counting on us." For Duchenne mothers like Natasha Chahal, the Walk to Defeat Duchenne represents a powerful act of hope for a better life for her son. "It was a grieving process. There was nothing we could do, but surely there must be something," Natasha Chahal says. "I scoured the internet for months after, looking for anything that could help. I joined groups, but there was nothing - just a lot of helpless parents needing treatment for their children." 500 people are Walking to Defeat Duchenne. Funds raised support activities to improve the quality of life and care for families affected by Duchenne, research for improved treatments, advocacy for treatment access, and education and support resources for families. The Chahal family story is echoed across the country by parents walking for their children and for the future of others living with Duchenne. "If asking for your generosity and support is the best that we as parents can do to help our son, then this is what we will do," says Duchenne mother, Ana-Maria Maldonado. "Your generosity is not just a donation, but a lifeline of hope for families like ours." To register, donate, or learn more about how to support the Walk to Defeat Duchenne, visit Sending a special thank you to our National Media Sponsor, CORUS Entertainment, for making this year's event a success. About Defeat Duchenne Canada Defeat Duchenne Canada is the country's only national charity dedicated to ending Duchenne muscular dystrophy. Our goal is to provide leadership in research, advocacy, and support to ensure every Canadian affected by Duchenne can live a long and active life. Duchenne is a rare genetic disorder that affects 1 in 5,000 male births worldwide. Around the world, 20,000 children are diagnosed with Duchenne each year. The Canadian Neuromuscular Disease Registry (CNDR) estimates there are more than 800 boys and young men living with Duchenne muscular dystrophy in Canada. While this number appears small, Duchenne is the most common form of muscular dystrophy affecting children. A Duchenne diagnosis is rarely a straightforward path, so there is a broad range in the age of diagnosis. However, most commonly, families find out their child has this disorder between the ages of two and six. SOURCE Defeat Duchenne Canada View original content to download multimedia:
