On May 24, families in nine provinces and territories laced up their shoes, greased their wheels, loaded their strollers, and hit their local trails, parks, and neighbourhoods. The 2026 Walk to Defeat Duchenne brought the country together — all united by a single purpose: to fund the research, advocacy, and support that every family living with Duchenne muscular dystrophy needs.
To everyone who walked, donated, volunteered, and cheered from the sidelines — thank you. This day belonged to you.
By the Numbers
$225,480
Raised for a brighter future
36
Teams came together
272
Walkers registered
9
Provinces & Territories
The Voices That Led the Way
What made the 2026 Walk different were the voices that carried us through the day. From the first good morning message on the East Coast to our final send-off with the Northern Warriors, families from across the country shared their stories and their reasons for walking. This year, family messages were at the heart of the walk day experience. We heard from parents, siblings, and the boys and young men living with Duchenne themselves. Each message reminded us why we walk year after year.
“I’m walking for my sons, Errict and Alex. I’m walking in memory of Jesse Davidson. I’m walking to honour his father, John, who has been there for us every step of the way for the past 21 years. And I’m walking for every individual that has been affected by this disease.”
Sean Lavery, Duchenne Dad & Team Captain of the Lavery Boys
Our Executive Director, Nicola Worsfold, also walked this year with a new sense of purpose. After participating in the Walk for many years as a Duchenne mom, she led her first Walk as Executive Director — through torrential downpour, hail, and wind — for brighter days ahead.
“For years, my family and I have laced up our sneakers for the National Walk to Defeat Duchenne as just one of many families fighting for a cure. But this year’s walk was profoundly different for me. Walking for the first time as Executive Director is a privilege and a responsibility that I take very seriously, not just as a leader, but as a Duchenne mom.
Standing alongside incredible families across Canada this past weekend, I felt a deep, renewed commitment to our shared mission. I am endlessly grateful to everyone who walked, donated, and cheered us on. I carry your stories, your strength, and your hope with me in this role every single day.”
Nicola Worsfold, Executive Director and Duchenne Mom
On the Ground in London, Ontario
Team Spencer’s Village, joined by Team Maverick’s Muscles, kicked off the 2026 Walk to Defeat Duchenne by bringing the London Duchenne community together. London, Ontario is home to Defeat Duchenne Canada’s national headquarters and where this journey began 31 years ago. The turnout was incredible, with many special guests including Mayor Josh Morgan, Ward 11 Councillor Skylar Franke, MP Peter Fragiskatos, and Jesse’s Journey Founder, John Davidson.
“It’s overwhelming and it’s a much bigger turnout than I was expecting, but it means so much to us. The biggest thing is just connection with our community and spreading awareness and improving treatments and options for Duchenne families.”
Anna Vockeroth, Duchenne Mom & Team Captain of Spencer’s Village
Relive the Day
Watch the full playlist of walk day messages, opening and closing ceremonies, and community moments from across the country.
How Your Dollars Make a Difference
Nearly $200,000 is raised through the Walk to Defeat Duchenne every year. But what does $200,000 really mean?
It means investing in promising new research and clinical trials that could slow disease progression in Duchenne.
It means advocating so all Canadians living with Duchenne can access treatments and the best care at every stage of their journey.
It means bringing the latest information and resources directly to families across the country — from emergency care plans to transition guides — to help them navigate their journey no matter where they are.
And it means bringing families together at our annual Family Forum — because no one should face Duchenne alone.
Every step makes a difference. So let’s keep going.
Walk Day Memories
Your photos and stories beautifully captured the spirit of this memorable day. Please continue to share your photos and videos with us by emailing [email protected] or submitting online:
There’s Still Time to Give
The walk may be over, but the work is not. Every dollar raised after May 24 still goes directly toward research, family education, and advocacy for treatment access across Canada.
If you haven’t donated yet, or if you’d thinking about giving a little more, your contribution will make a real difference for families living with Duchenne today.
Thank you to everyone who walked, donated, and supported the 2026 Walk to Defeat Duchenne. We hope you’ll join us again next year for the 2027 Walk to Defeat Duchenne.
Together, we will keep moving forward.
