The annual Vancouver Island Walk & Roll for Muscular Dystrophy Canada (MDC) is approaching and this time, the decade-long tradition will be held in the Comox Valley.
Scheduled for Sept. 23 at CourtenayB次元官网网址檚 Airpark, running from 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., the walk aims to both raise funds and increase awareness for muscular dystrophy (MD).
Diagnosed with this genetic disorder at a young age, Jayden Hargreaves, 18, is the ambassador for this yearB次元官网网址檚 event.
B次元官网网址�(The walk is all about) getting together with my friends, family, and everyone else, to support this cause all together,B次元官网网址� said Jayden. B次元官网网址淭his year is going to be a really big one and thereB次元官网网址檚 lots of things planned. IB次元官网网址檓 very excited about it.B次元官网网址�
Muscular dystrophy is a group of more than 30 different forms of muscle diseases. Over time, people with MD will experience muscle weakness and decreased mobility. They may also have a hard time breathing, swallowing, as well as standing.
Typically diagnosed in childhood, muscular dystrophy predominantly occurs in boys, affecting 14 individuals per 100,000.
As opposed to multiple sclerosis (MS), which is often mistaken for MD, muscular dystrophy is a progressive condition that can be life-threatening.
At present, there is no cure for this disease.
B次元官网网址淵ears ago, boys and girls with muscular dystrophy, just didnB次元官网网址檛 make it to graduation because the medical advances werenB次元官网网址檛 there yet,B次元官网网址� said JaydenB次元官网网址檚 father Robert Hargreaves. B次元官网网址淚tB次元官网网址檚 a pretty devastating condition.B次元官网网址�
However, thanks to medical breakthroughs in the last decades, new treatments and drugs can now help keep the disease at bay.
Crowdfunding collected at walks like these across the nation has contributed to these advancements.
Rahul Rajanala, a community fundraising officer at Muscular Dystrophy Canada, stated that the money raised during the upcoming walk will be allocated for treatment research, advocacy efforts, and the acquisition of essential equipment like wheelchairs and powerchairs for people living with this condition.
B次元官网网址淲e call it the Walk & Roll because weB次元官网网址檙e walking with people in wheelchairs, crutches, power chairs, who have any sort of muscular disorder,B次元官网网址� said Rajanala.
More than just raising money, Rajanala and the Hargreaves put emphasis on the community-building quality of these marches.
Despite dealing with everyday challenges including accessibility and keeping up with his social life, Jayden made a strong community for himself and turned what many would consider a disheartening reality into a positive experience.
B次元官网网址淛ust in the last two years, we found out about these walks and we met a few people with muscular dystrophy,B次元官网网址� said Jayden. B次元官网网址淪ince IB次元官网网址檝e been diagnosed, IB次元官网网址檝e met amazing people along the way. It has been great meeting so many awesome people who are fighting the same cause. I know that IB次元官网网址檓 not alone.B次元官网网址�
Enthusiastic about this yearB次元官网网址檚 event, Jayden invites everyone to come walk and learn more about MD.
B次元官网网址淚tB次元官网网址檚 a really family-friendly event where anyone can come and say hello,B次元官网网址� said Jayden. B次元官网网址淲e have a very awesome community so bring your family and friends. ItB次元官网网址檚 gonna be a great time.B次元官网网址�
To donate, register, or learn more about the event, visit .
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