Toronto Walk for Muscular Dystrophy Ambassadors!

MEET THE MCCAINS!

Mark, Mary, Hunter and Darcy McCain became involved with the Toronto Walk for Muscular Dystrophy Planning Committee this year after attending the event for the first time last fall. "We feel very strongly about raising awareness of and support for this horrible disease," Mary explains. Family, friends, and the community immediately responded and rallied around the McCains, making Team Darcy one of the top fundraising teams in all of Ontario in 2010.

Mark and Mary's son, Darcy, was diagnosed with Duchenne's Muscular Dystrophy at the age of four, a discovery that has brought the McCain family together to share their experience and raise funds to support the Toronto Walk for Muscular Dystrophy, as well as Muscular Dystrophy Canada. Beyond the Toronto event, the McCains are organizing a walkathon at Darcy's school, Kew Beach Public School, to help raise awareness and support even further.

For the McCain family, the Toronto Walk for Muscular Dystrophy is about more than just raising money to support those living with neuromuscular disorders, it is also about the community joining together to support each other. "On an emotional level, it is such an incredible feeling to know that we have a team of people who love and care so much for our family. There is no price on that."

Thank you, McCain family, for being this year's Toronto Walk for Muscular Dystrophy Ambassadors!

Together, we will make muscles move!

Move It - Summer Edition

Have you seen the July/August edition of Move It!? Muscular Dystrophy Canada's online newsletter is featuring stories on walk ambassadors from all over the country as well as a story on a fashion show event that raised funds for the York Region Walk.

It also has a new comic strip and many other interesting articles. Check it out by clicking here!

Congratulations Kingston!

The weather may not have been perfect, but the Kingston walk was full of fun on Saturday June 25! It was only the 2nd year, but already the walk in Kingston has started to grow thanks to word of mouth and some very dedicated volunteer committee members. Raising over $4,700, we hope the Kingston walk is even bigger and better next year! Here are some photos from that great day - for more check out our Muscular Dystrophy Canada Flickr page.

Up next is the Toronto walk for Muscular Dystrophy in September! You can visit www.muscle.ca/walk for more details on how to get involved or donate today!



 

Meet Your Kingston Ambassador!

MEET AARON BOMBARD!


Aaron became involved with the Kingston Walk for Muscular Dystrophy this past fall and has become a vital member of the volunteer planning committee. Aaron was eager to get involved as it is “an opportunity to give something back and to help raise funds” for those affected by neuromuscular disorders.



Aaron was diagnosed with duchenne muscular dystrophy at the age of five. Shortly before transitioning into a power wheelchair at 12 years old, Aaron and his family reached out to Muscular Dystrophy Canada for support.

Aaron has embraced his challenges and has dedicated himself to bringing awareness to accessibility and other facilitative efforts in the community. He currently volunteers with the Occupational Therapy Department at Queen University to provide life experiences and a personal perspective that “does not coming from a textbook”. The goal is to “provide a positive view of disability” Aaron describes. “I have a disability but it doesn’t define me.”

For Aaron, the Kingston Walk for Muscular Dystrophy is not only an opportunity to raise money and awareness, but to help those in the community who also have muscular dystrophy. “It helps to know there are others who are going through the same things. It’s a chance to meet and help one another.”

Thank you Aaron for being this year’s Kingston Walk for Muscular Dystrophy Ambassador! There is still time to sign up and walk with us at this Saturday's Kingson Walk. Visit www.muscle.ca/walk for more information, to join in or to make a donation!

Congratulations London and Waterloo!

Another weekend of walks down and two amazing walks they were! Both coming in over goal and both with more participants than last year!! The lovely weather only added to the wonderful day had by many. A big thank you goes out to the Volunteer Walk Planning Committees, participants, donors and event day volunteers - together we help make muscles move!


There is still time for you to donate to these great events, or sign up / donate to up coming events by visiting www.muscle.ca/walk . You can find more great pictures of the London Walk on our Flickr site!

Meet Your London Ambassador!

This Saturday June 18, the London Walk for Muscular Dystrophy is taking place. It's a chance to join you community and raise money for a great cause. You can even meet the London ambassador Patti!



Patti MacNeil has been involved with the London Walk for Muscular Dystrophy since its inception three years ago when Muscular Dystrophy Canada Board Member, Ronald Nicol, reccommeded her to the planning committee. Patti recalls “I was more than interested [to get involved]and a little nervous at first as I had never been involved with organizing an event before. It has been a great learning experience and very rewarding.”


Patti takes every opportunity to talk about her involvement with Muscular Dystrophy Canada and the London Walk. “2010 was my second year [participating in] the walk. With open talks and communication with members of my team I was able to share my experiences. Instantly I had 3 people who wanted to get involved and volunteer their time. They were all there the day of the walk pitching in and at the end of the day the 3 of them said ‘make sure you sign me up for next year.’”

Believing that the walk helps the London community by spreading awareness of neromuscular disorders and those in the area that are affected by them, Patti says she has many fond memories of participating in the family friendly event year after year. "The community working together, building friendships, seeing familiar faces, and the smiles on the children’s faces are all reasons I love being a part of this event and are what make it such a great day”, Patti says.

We are so happy to have Patti on the planning committee again this year and to have her as our first London Walk for Muscular Dystrophy Ambassador!

Can't make it out to the walk? You can still donate and support Muscular Dystrophy Canada by visiting www.mucsle.ca/walk and selecting your local walk. Together we make muscles move!

Meet Your Waterloo Ambassador!

MEET BERNARDO RECINE!




Bernardo first became involved with Muscular Dystrophy Canada after registering as a client in 1996. He wanted to know how to keep up to date with muscular dystrophy issues and was pointed in the direction of Muscular Dystrophy Canada. Bernardo wanted to bring awareness and visibility to the cause and disorders and wanted to be involved. He was extremely happy to get the call in December 2009 to help organize the first Waterloo Region Walk for Muscular Dystrophy.

When asked about how the Walk event benefits the community, Bernardo commented “The Walk benefits the community as it creates awareness that Muscular Dystrophy is in fact part of our community, that we start putting faces to the cause within the community, and that there are individuals that need our support or will need our support in the future.”

As the Waterloo Region Walk for Muscular Dystrophy is still a new event, Bernardo is excited about brainstorming different ways to promote the event with the Waterloo Region Volunteer Planning Committee and to expand the event. He is very proud to be the Chair Person for the Waterloo Region Planning Committee and is thrilled to be this year’s Waterloo Region Walk for Muscular Dystrophy Ambassador.

Thank you to Bernardo for his continued dedication and support.


You can help Bernardo and Muscular Dystrophy Canada make muscles move by visiting www.muscle.ca/walk to donate or join the walk! Or you can just show up to Waterloo Park on Saturday June 18 at 10 am to register. We hope to see you there!

North Bay Walk for Musuclar Dystophy

This past weekend was the North Bay Walk for Muscular Dystrophy - a wonderful event that had a great  turn out. This year's ambassador was Jessica Lair!

Jessica and her farther have been members of the North Bay & Area Walk for Muscular Dystrophy volunteer planning committee for the past 3 years. It was important for Jessica to be involved because she has muscular dystrophy and wants “to help other people in the community to deal with it”.



Jessica was diagnosed with myotonic muscular dystrophy at 11 years old. The condition “was hard to get used to” but Jessica and her family “keep living life normally” as Jessica describes. Jessica’s brother is also showing signs of the disorder.

The North Bay & Area Walk for Muscular Dystrophy is an opportunity for Jessica’s family to come together to work towards a common goal. Together, they collect funds, recruit walk participants and educate people about muscular dystrophy. Jessica is committed to “help[ing] people get involved”. The Walk for Muscular Dystrophy is also a chance to “help others in the community who have muscular dystrophy”.

One of Jessica’s favourite moments from the Walk is from last year, when she was the captain of her team, Musclemania, and she was able to complete the full 5km walk route.

Thank you Jessica for being this year’s North Bay & Area Walk for Muscular Dystrophy Ambassador! She helped to make the event such a success along with all the committee members, participants and volunteers. Here are some great photos from the event!

Thank you North Bay for helping muscles move!

Meet your Hamilton Ambassadors!

MEET ANN MARIE FORTINO AND ROSE DI GIOVANNI!


Ann Marie and Rose have been the Co-Chairs of the Hamilton Walk for Muscular Dystrophy for the past two years and have been involved with the Volunteer Planning Committee for the past three years. Both Ann Marie and Rose wanted to be further involved as each of their lives had been touched by muscular dystrophy. The fact that they both work at the same school made it easy for them to come together to work towards a common cause.

Ann Marie was diagnosed with FSH Muscular Dystrophy 15 years ago. “It has been a physical and emotional struggle from the time I was diagnosed. I maintain a positive attitude and live everyday with purpose and determination.”


Rose’s son Sebastian was diagnosed at age 4 with duchenne muscular dystrophy and she became involved with Muscular Dystrophy Canada immediately after. “It was a way of getting information, support and hope.” The Walk for Muscular Dystrophy “ is a way for me to feel like I can do something positive that will help my son and anyone else affected with a neuromuscular disorder.”

Rose and Ann Marie not only raise awareness for neuromuscular disorders through the Hamilton Walk for Muscular Dystrophy, they also host an annual Car Show & Shine at St. Thomas More CSS whose proceeds support the Walk for Muscular Dystrophy Canada. “This community has been so supportive of our efforts to spread awareness about the walk.” Rose acknowledges. Ann Marie “visits many businesses within Hamilton and surrounding area to promote and solicit information about the Walk and the fundraiser. These two events bring much awareness to the Hamilton community in regards to muscular dystrophy.”

The Hamilton Walk for Muscular Dystrophy brings together local community members and businesses but most of all it brings together families that are affected by neuromuscular disorders. Rose describes “There is such an overwhelming show of support and that truly affects the families in a positive way. It also allows us to meet other people affected by neuromuscular disorders so that we feel like we are not alone. It’s a great experience for all those involved.” For Ann Marie, “The walk provides my family and I the opportunity to come to together to raise money for the cause and also to meet new people with some of the same challenges and generate relationships and friendships.”

Last year, Ann Marie was a speaker at the Walk and shared her story. “It took a lot of courage and strength to be able to talk openly about my disability in front of a large group. I haven't been able to in the past so this was a big step for me… Without the love, support and help of my family, friends and co-workers I wouldn't be where I am today. I want them to know how much they have touched my life and I appreciate everything they have done for me.”

Thank you Rose & Ann Marie for you continued dedication and support and for being this year’s Hamilton Walk for Muscular Dystrophy Ambassadors!

Remember, together we help make muscles move! But we can't do it without your support. Please visit www.muscle.ca/walk to select a walk in your area. Donate or sign up to participate today!

Meet your Peel Region Ambassadors!

MEET THE BASTAS!


Kim and Ashley Basta have been involved with the Peel Region Walk for Muscular Dystrophy Volunteer Planning Committee for the past 3 years. Raising funds is extremely important to them as a large portion of their family is affected with Charcot-Marie-Tooth Disease. Kim was diagnosed at age 5 and just last year it was confirmed that Ashley also has CMT.



However nothing is slowing these ladies down. In addition to being involved in the Peel Region Walk for Muscular Dystrophy, the family is very involved with other Muscular Dystrophy Canada initiatives including showing support at Firefighter Boot Drives, volunteering at the annual fundraising telethon and participating in the Youth In Action conference. Kim explains “The whole family is involved. It’s about supporting one another.”

And the Basta’s commitment doesn’t end there. Ashley is in college now, studying Business Administration and Human Resources, and hopes to one day work for Muscular Dystrophy Canada. Ashley’s sister Chelsea is also motivated to make a difference, by pursuing a career working with people with neuromuscular disorders and other physical disabilities.

The Basta’s feel the Walk for Muscular Dystrophy “brings a tremendous amount of awareness to the community which is lacking. There is a lot of miscommunication and people do not understand what neuromuscular disorders are and how it affects your day to day life.” Kim also details “A lot of people have no idea of what services are available to us. They need to know that there is someone out there to support us, emotionally and physically.” More than that, the Walk for Muscular Dystrophy is an “amazing way to empower yourself to become more involved. The people and friends that you meet really pump you up. You come out thinking I don’t have a disability, I just found an ability!”

Thank you to Kim, Ashley and the entire Basta family for being this year’s Peel Region Walk for Muscular Dystrophy Ambassadors!

To support the Basta family and those living with neuromuscular disorders visit www.muscle.ca/walk to donate or participate in a walk in your area. Together we make muscles move!

Meet your Ottawa Ambassadors!

MEET THE LALONDE FAMILY!


Stéphane, France, Marie-Eve and Zacharie have been involved with the Ottawa Walk for Muscular Dystrophy since 2003 when Zacharie was first diagnosed at the age of 3 months. They joined the Ottawa Chapter for numerous reasons including, “mental support, to learn more about the disease and eventually for funding.”



Everyone in the Lalonde family feels a great sense of accomplishment in raising funds through the Ottawa Walk for Muscular Dystrophy. The family starts fundraising early, even holding events to raise awareness and gain sponsorship at the schools where Stéphane and France are teachers, and where the children attend.


One of the family’s most memorable moments at the Ottawa Walk for Muscular Dystrophy was when Zacharie was recognized for his hard work in fundraising. “They called Zacharie's name because he raised the most money in the age group under 7 years old. His eyes were shining and he was really happy!” Stéphane and France recall.

The Lalondes know that the money they work so hard to raise is going to a worthy cause. Muscular Dystrophy Canada and the local Ottawa Chapter have helped to provide resources that the Lalonde Family describes as making a huge difference in their quality of life. “The Ottawa Chapter helped Zacharie with new equipment like a laptop for his fine motor skills, our vehicle modifications and a ramp to get into our house.” which has helped make day to day tasks more manageable.

We are proud to have The Lalonde Family as this year’s Ottawa Walk for Muscular Dystrophy Ambassadors and thank them for their continued support.

It's not to late to help muscles move in the Ottawa area - visit www.muscle.ca/walk to donate to the Ottawa walk or to one in your area!

Great Job Belleville, Peterborough and Ottawa Walks!

This weekend was a busy one for walks! Belleville and Area, Peterborough and Ottawa all had walks going on over the weekend, each with great success. Thank you so much to the volunteer planning committees, the Ottawa Chapter Walk planning committee, all the volunteers at each of the walks, all of the donors and each and every participant. With your help we make muscles move and provide resources for education, research, services and equipment!

Here are a couple of shots from Belleville:

And a few from Ottawa:

I'm on the hunt for some photos to show you from Peterborough! If you would like to take a look at more photos from these or any other Ontario Muscular Dystrophy walks check out our flickr site or facebook page!

Great Job Durham and York Regions!!

Over the weekend we held two more Walks for Muscular Dystrophy. Saturday May 28 was the York Region Walk and Sunday May 29 was the Durham Region Walk. We would like to thank everyone who came out in support! As well as the wonderful volunteers and committees who made the two events possible.

Pictures and final totals from the walks are soon to come - but for now a great big THANK YOU to everyone who helped make muscles move in York and Durham regions.

Meet Your Peterborough Ambassadors!

MEET THE VAHEYS!




The Vahey family became involved in the first Peterborough Walk for Muscular Dystrophy that took place last year and are “proud to be a part of the event.”

Michael was diagnosed with duchenne muscular dystrophy in Junior Kindergarten. At the time, the family wasn’t sure what to do. They were referred to Muscular Dystrophy Canada and have been members ever since. “That’s why we go out to the Walk. Muscular Dystrophy Canada got us through some hard times and it’s our way of giving back.” Michael’s father David describes.

The Vahey’s feel the Walk for Muscular Dystrophy is so important because it brings awareness to neuromuscular disorders and how easy it is to help. It also gives a face to the donations that are given within the community. David describes it well when he said “Hey, I know that kid, the one with the big smile in the wheelchair!” Another message that the family wants to put across is that the Walk is not work, it’s fun! And it “feels good to be part of something”.

Together, the family is advocating for others to get involved with the Peterborough Walk for Muscular Dystrophy. “It’s an opportunity for camaraderie and to meet other parents and families within the community.” Michael’s sister, Corrina, will even be participating in the Polar Plunge next year to raise money for the Walk for Muscular Dystrophy! David appeals to other families when he said “There’s not much else I can do for Michael’s disease. I can be a dad, I can be there for him, but well else can I do? The Walk for Muscular Dystrophy is a great way to do something… It’s about building memories too.”

Thank you to David, Michelle, Michael and Corrina for being this year’s Peterborough Walk for Muscular Dystrophy Ambassadors! Together, we will make muscles move!

You can join the Vahey family by visitng www.muscle.ca/walk to join or donate today!

Another Great Walk Weekend - Halton and Niagara Regions

Thank you so much to Niagara and Halton Regions which, despite the weather not being all that nice, had great turn outs for their walks. We raised money for Muscular Dystrophy Canada, had a great time, and got to meet / visit with our friends, family and neighbours.

These were the first two walks I had been able to personally attend and I was blown away. So many smiling faces and happy people. It was such a treat to be able to meet the committee members I have been chatting with on conference calls over the past couple months (they have been on the calls much longer, but I only started in March!) and to get to meet some of the great participants and fundraisers that I have been tweeting with and talking to over facebook. I can't wait to come back next year, but next time lets cross our fingers for a couple sunny days!!

For more pictures check out our facebook page or flickr account.

Belleville & Area Ambassador

Take some time to meet Lucy Huble, this year's Belleville & Area Walk Ambassador.

Lucy became involved with the first Belleville & Area Walk for Muscular Dystrophy that took place last year. She wanted to show her support to others in the community who also had a neuromuscular disorder and decided to join the Volunteer Planning Committee.




The Belleville & Area Walk for Muscular Dystrophy is really a family affair for Lucy. Lucy and her family walk not only for her, but for her daughter, mother and uncle as well. The family is eager on event day, coming out bright and early to help with any volunteer tasks they can.

Lucy’s outgoing and friendly personality makes it easy for her to spread the word about the event. She actively promotes the Belleville & Area Walk for Muscular Dystrophy to her colleagues, friends and even the local firefighters.

The Walk for Muscular Dystrophy “opens up a lot of people’s eyes how we struggle with our bodies on a day to day basis. Some people can look at me and see that I have trouble getting around and others can’t.” The Walk is a great way “to keep my own muscles moving” and is “an inspiring day”. It also gives Lucy’s family a lot of support and an opportunity to meet other families within the community.

Thank you to Lucy for being this year’s Belleville & Area Walk for Muscular Dystrophy Ambassador!

Together, we will make muscles move! To join or donate to the Belleville & Area Walk visit www.muscle.ca/walk and select Belleville.

Halton Region's Honorary Chair on 'FYI'

This past Friday, Halton Region walk was profiled on 'FYI', Cogeco Cable 23 for those in the area. Honorary Chair and Walk Planning Committee member Tyler Ward was answering some questions about the upcoming walk. Check it out here!

The Halton Region Walk is taking place Sunday May 15 at Coronation Park. To sign up or to donate visit www.muscle.ca/walk - hope to see you there!

Congrats To A Successful Windsor Walk

Last weekend saw the start of our walk season with the Windsor Walk taking place on May 1st. What a walk it was!! The weather may not have totally co-operated, but spirits were high as the total of over $20 000 raised for Muscular Dystrophy Canada was announced! That surpasses their goal by almost $8 000!!! Congratulations and a very big, heartfelt thank you to everyone who participated, volunteered, fundraised, donated and helped to plan the Windsor Walk. What an amazing accomplishment!!

For more photos check out our facebook page!

Durham Region Walk Ambassadors!

And what great ambassadors they are! Sign up for the Durham Region Walk for Muscular Dystrophy by visiting www.muscle.ca/walk and meet the Harold family!

The Harolds have been involved with the Durham Region Walk for Muscular Dystrophy since its inception four years ago. Although hesitant at first to get involved, Janice stepped up and decided to become a member of the Volunteer Planning Committee. For the past three years, Janice has been the Chair Person of the committee and The Harold family has played a major role in growing the Durham Region Walk for Muscular Dystrophy event into the great success it is today.



Alex was first diagnosed with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy in 1997. Since that time, he has developed into a true ambassador in the fight against muscular dystrophy. Alex has spent countless hours helping with various Muscular Dystrophy Canada initiatives including attending Firefighter Boot Drives, golf tournaments and the Walk for Muscular Dystrophy. Most notably of all, Alex has been a speaker at numerous awareness and promotional events in support of Muscular Dystrophy Canada.

Team Alex, the Harold’s family team that participates each year in the Durham Region Walk for Muscular Dystrophy, has become not only a top fundraising team in Ontario but also one of the largest. Janice recalls “We invited people to donate and amazingly, they also decided to join Team Alex and fundraise. It just grew from there. People we never thought of decided to join.” Alex’s story, which was profiled last year in two local news articles, was so inspiring that “many came out to the event because they saw Alex’s story.”

The Walk for Muscular Dystrophy is “ a chance to feel like we are accomplishing something” Janice attests. The event “brings people together and gives us a focus… We have no control over muscular dystrophy but this is a way to feel like we’re doing something… It allows others who are also affected by muscular dystrophy to focus on something other than the tough stuff.”

Through one of his inspiring speeches, Alex puts it well “…rather than sitting by and letting Duchenne win, I have come to realize that there is something I can do. I can get involved. I can use my experiences to educate, inform and teach others about muscular dystrophy. I have the opportunity to speak out about accessibility and inclusion and the importance of fundraising.”

The Harold family’s dedication and commitment is truly astounding. Alex, Janice and Tony’s involvement with Muscular Dystrophy Canada is motivating and inspiring to community members, firefighters and staff. We are proud to have The Harolds as this year’s Durham Region Walk for Muscular Dystrophy Ambassadors and thank them for their continued support.

Together, we will make muscles move! But only by signing up or donating today! Visit www.muscle.ca/walk and click through to your local Walk for Muscular Dystrophy.

Do You Know The York Region Walk Ambassador?

It's Christina Massad!!



Christina was the impetus behind the creation of the York Region Walk for Muscular Dystrophy. Three years ago, Christina contacted Muscular Dystrophy Canada to start a Walk event in York Region and the rest is history. Christina felt the event was a way to “make me feel better and grow as a person.”


Christina was diagnosed with Limb Girdle Muscular Dystrophy at the age of 14. Initially, Christina “preferred to keep the diagnosis to myself because I didn’t understand what was happening to me. It was all part of the learning process. In my final year of high school, things started to turn around for me. I really accepted my disability and challenges in my life. I wanted people to know and understand that yes there is a challenge in my life but that doesn’t mean you have to isolate yourself.”

Christina is extremely passionate about educating people about what muscular dystrophy is and what it’s like to live with a neuromuscular disorder. In addition to the countless hours she spends working on the York Region Walk for Muscular Dystrophy with her fellow Volunteer Planning Committee members, Christina is involved with Fire Fighter Boot Drives, attends conferences in support of Muscular Dystrophy Canada and is an active public speaker for the organization. She was even the inspiration behind a benefit concert whose proceeds went to support the York Region Walk for Muscular Dystrophy.

Christina’s drive and dedication is astounding and her positivity and optimism is truly contagious. “If we ever hope to see some sort of cure or treatment in the future we better bust our butts to give that boost to make it happen.”

Christina’s motto is one to be remembered. “Life doesn’t stop because you’ve been thrown a curveball.”

We are so proud to have Christina as this year’s York Region Walk for Muscular Dystrophy Ambassador! Thank you Christina for your continued support and dedication.


If you would like to get involved with the York Region Walk or a walk in your area visit www.muscle.ca/walk. It's quick and simple - before you know it you will be helping those in your community!

Meet Your Walk Ambassador Halton Region!

The 2011 Halton Region Walk for Muscular Dystrophy is on May 15th and is our 3rd walk of the season! This family friendly event wants to get you out to walk, wheel, roll or run either 1 km or 5 km in support of those living with neuromuscular disorders in your community and across the country. Visit www.muscle.ca/walk to sign up or give a donation.

When you come out to the walk you will get to meet so many wonderful people, like Halton Region's Walk Ambassador Laura Lee!



Laura became involved with the first Halton Region Walk for Muscular Dystrophy last year. It was a good way to become more involved in the community. “Having a disability, it’s easy to become isolated. To have goal to work towards and to be part of a team is really inspiring.”

Laura was officially diagnosed with Charcot-Marie-Tooth Disease at age 12. With the official diagnosis, Laura has expanded her network and has been in contact with others who also have CMT all over the world. Her philosophy “It’s great to be a part of something and meet new people. You never know what you can make happen.”

Laura has been actively spreading the word about this year’s Halton Region Walk for Muscular Dystrophy through her network, social media channels and of course word of mouth. “The more awareness we get the more we’re all going to benefit from it.” Reflecting on last year’s event “To have the day arrive and see all the hard work come together, it’s incredible. You meet all sorts of amazing people and get inspired.”

Laura loves the fact that the Halton Region Walk for Muscular Dystrophy allows for the community to join together and raise awareness of neuromuscular disorders. “The people who attend have all different levels of mobility all with the same goal of doing the Walk. We’re going to do it, we’re going to do it our way and we’re proud of it. That is so inspiring. It helps lift an entire community.”

Thank you Laura for your continued support and for being this year’s Halton Region Walk for Muscular Dystrophy Ambassador!

Together, we will make muscles move!

Niagara Walk Ambassadors

Last week we met Ethan from Windsor - this week it is the Smith Family from Niagara! Getting to know some of the ambassadors from our local walks is so much fun I think I'll post two next week! Stay tuned to see if your local ambassador will be the one profiled next!

MEET THE SMITHS!



Angela became involved with the new Niagara Region Walk for Muscular Dystrophy this fall. She became involved because “it’s a great way to create awareness in the community of this disease as well as just a chance to meet other people involved with the Muscular Dystrophy Canada.”

The family is rallying around the event. They feel the Walk will give a feeling of care and support as people will be taking time out of their busy lives to walk for this cause. Ben was four when he was diagnosed with duchenne's muscular dystrophy. Angela recounted

“I had never even heard of muscular dystrophy or even anyone who had it until the day Ben was diagnosed. Most people I tell what Ben has, I have to explain what it is, as they don't know either. I didn't realize what a horrible disease it is.”

The Smiths recognize that the Niagara Region Walk for Muscular Dystrophy will benefit their family but also the community. “It is a chance to get together with people who have the same goals of raising money and awareness of this disease.”

At this time, Angela and her family are telling everyone they know about the Niagara Region Walk for Muscular Dystrophy. Angela will be handing out information to her children’s schools, church, and businesses in their area as well as to friends and family.

Thank you to Angela, Brandon, Amber, Brianna and Ben for being this year’s Niagara Region Walk for Muscular Dystrophy Ambassadors! Together, we will make muscles move!

If you would like to support people like the Smiths it's easy to do. Just head over to www.muscle.ca/walk - pick your local walk and sign up! Raise some funds and come out for a great family friendly day!! Or feel free to make a donation if you can't make it out that day. Either way you'll be doing something positive to help those in your community.

Meet your 2011 Walk Ambassadors!

Another walk year is upon us! Many have already signed up and are out there raising funds for the walk in their area. Where is your local walk? Check out www.muscle.ca/walk to see the local walks, just click on the one closest to you to find out the date, location and to sign up.

But why walk at all? Most who participate in the walks either have Muscular Dystrophy or know someone who does. If you don't, now you do! Meet Ethan Janisse.

Ethan and his family have been involved with the Windsor Walk for Muscular Dystrophy for the past 7 years. It was important to The Janisse family to be involved and raise awareness of neuromuscular disorders within the community as Ethan himself has duchenne muscular dystrophy.

The Janisse family have rallied around the cause to support Ethan. His mother Christine, father Rick, uncle Ray and aunt Tammy are all members of the Windsor Walk for Muscular Dystrophy Volunteer Planning Committee. In addition, they have also become members of the Windsor Chapter, taking on executive roles and helping to organize various fundraising initiatives in support of those living with neuromuscular disorders in their community.

The Windsor Walk for Muscular Dystrophy is an opportunity to raise funds for clients and families who need the support. “The walk raises money for research for a cure as well as funds to assist local clients with equipment needs.” Ethan’s father Rick describes. The event is also an opportunity to raise awareness and for the community to come together and work towards a common goal.

Thank you to Ethan and The Janisse family for being this year’s Windsor Walk for Muscular Dystrophy Ambassadors! Your dedication and continued support is truly appreciated.

Come out to the walk in your area and meet your ambassador! I'll be posting all the other profiles on here in order of when the walks take place. Windsor is our first walk coming up on May1.
 
Remember www.muscle.ca/walk to sign up or donate to a team of your choice!

Meet Team Kenti!

Team Kenti has been involved with the Walk for Muscular Dystrophy in Ontario since the start. In an unlikely meeting, Team Captain Jan met a member of Muscular Dystrophy Canada and learned about the event and the rest is history!

Over the past three years, Team Kenti has not only grown in members but also in fundraising. Last year the Team decided to hold their first pre Walk for Muscular Dystrophy fundraising event and were met with tremendous success!

The Team organized an afternoon of live music, food, prize raffle and 50:50 draw. Nearly all of the entry fees went to support Muscular Dystrophy Canada as well as all of the money raised at the event. Team Kenti entertained nearly 60 people at their event and raised a whopping $4,000!

So what is their motivation? Team Kenti walks in honour of their son/brother/nephew/cousin Kent, who sadly passed away in 2007. The fundraiser is an opportunity to introduce Kent and muscular dystrophy to the community and their sponsors. Jan puts it well “Our fundraiser and the Walk for Muscular Dystrophy puts a face on the disease and educates the public about muscular dystrophy and the trials and tribulations children [and adults] and their families go through living with muscular dystrophy.”

Team Kenti is already gearing up for another amazing year! The fundraiser preparations are well on their way and the team will be back in action at Walk for Muscular Dystrophy again this year.

We would like to thank Team Kenti for their continued support and look forward to seeing them at the Walk again this year!

To sign up for the Walk for Muscular Dystrophy and to check out our new fundraising tips, visit our website at www.muscle.ca/walk

Together, we can make muscles move!

You can help raise $5000 for Muscular Dystrophy Canada!!!

Please go to the Got Mold? company site and "like" the page...your efforts will help us collect $1 for Muscular Dystrophy Canada for every Like...Leave a blurb on the page so as to be counted. Got Mold? will donate $5000.00 ...we NEED 5000 likes and they can come from all over the world so please help out by clicking like on the page...go to the link below at


http://www.facebook.com/pages/Got-Mold/166469056718228

Happy 2011!

Wishing everyone a very happy 2011!

Walk for Muscular Dystrophy season is just around the corner! Check out www.muscle.ca/walk for more info or e-mail us at walkformusculardystrophy.on@muscle.ca to get involved!