2026 Family Forum
Starts October 3, 2026
Ends October 4, 2026
Delta Hotels Halifax Downtown
1990 Barrington St
Event Type: Hybrid
Event Category: Education & Support
Audience Type: Everyone
2026 Family Forum
Join us for Defeat Duchenne Canada’s 10th Family Forum
We cannot wait to welcome you to beautiful Halifax, Nova Scotia, on October 3–4, 2026, for a weekend of education, connection, inspiration, and East Coast cultural experiences at Canada’s only national education event created specifically for families affected by Duchenne muscular dystrophy.
Hosted in partnership with IWK Health Centre and the Stan Cassidy Centre for Rehabilitation, this year’s Family Forum is designed to be a destination experience for our Duchenne community. Families from across Canada will come together to learn from leading experts, share experiences, and build lasting friendships with others who understand the journey.
The 2026 Forum will feature expanded and more engaging programming for the entire family, including:
- Dedicated kids and youth programming, with inclusive activities designed for children living with Duchenne and their siblings
- A new Teen Gaming Lounge, offering age-appropriate space and activities for teens to connect and unwind
- Community social groups for moms, dads, and adults living with Duchenne (18+) to share experiences and support one another
- Expert-led sessions covering the latest updates in research, treatments, advocacy, and navigating life with Duchenne with a more holistic and person-centred approach
- An opportunity to experience Halifax through a group excursion (location TBA) and an Awards Ceremony event on October 3, 2026 to come together, celebrate our community and enjoy the East Coast culture.
Whether you attend in person in Halifax or join online from anywhere in Canada, the Family Forum is an opportunity to learn, connect, and move forward together as a community working toward a future free from Duchenne.
Event Details
What: Defeat Duchenne Canada’s 10th Family Forum
When: Saturday, October 3, 2026 – Sunday, October 4, 2026
Where: Delta Hotels Halifax Downtown, Halifax, Nova Scotia – Book Now [For an accessible room, contact William Marchand]
Format: In-person event in Halifax with national virtual access through the PheedLoop platform
Save the date and stay tuned for registration details coming soon.
We can’t wait to welcome you to Halifax for this milestone celebration of the Duchenne community.
For any questions or to connect, reach out to National Coordinator, Engagement, Education, and Support, William Marchand, at [email protected]
Agenda at a Glance
Changes may be made between now and the Family Forum. Topic start times and speakers will be listed closer to the event.
Awards Ceremony on October 3!
Award Celebration
A night to gather, connect, and celebrate our volunteers
This fall, we’re bringing our community together while in Halifax for a very special evening: the Award Celebration.
Every year, volunteers across the country give their time, energy, and heart to support Duchenne families, organizing fundraisers, showing up at events, and standing alongside families every step of the way. This celebration is our chance to pause and say thank you, to honour the people whose dedication moves us closer to a cure.
Join us on Saturday, October 3rd, from 6:30 PM to 9:00 PM for an evening filled with connection, celebration, and community. We’ll come together to share stories, recognize outstanding volunteer contributions, and celebrate just how far we’ve come together. We will also have fun activities for the children.
Whether you’ve volunteered for years or are just getting to know our community, this is an evening to feel connected to something bigger: a network of families, friends, and supporters all working toward the same goal: defeating Duchenne.
We hope to see you there.
