For 30 years, Defeat Duchenne Canada has been at the forefront of the fight against Duchenne muscular dystrophy.
We’ve turned grassroots efforts into groundbreaking research that has changed the lives of families. In 2025, we celebrate our progress while continuing to drive the fight forward.
With determination, we look toward a future where every child diagnosed with Duchenne has access to life-changing treatments and the promise of a longer, fuller life. Join the fight for a future without Duchenne.
30 Years closer to a cure
30th Anniversary Notices
On June 10, 2025, nearly 80-year-old John Davidson walked 30 km from St. Thomas to London, Ontario, retracing the final leg of the journey he took with his son Jesse in 1995.
What started as a father’s promise to his son has grown into a national movement and led to the establishment of Defeat Duchenne Canada, the country’s only charity dedicated to ending #Duchenne #musculardystrophy.
This walk marked the 30th anniversary of Jesse’s Journey, a powerful reminder of the love that launched millions in research funding, global collaboration, and hope. Watch now to relive this historic day and see how one step, one story, and one community can change the world.
What began in 1995 as a father and son’s journey for a cure has grown into a nationwide movement—a family of families fighting to make this dream a reality.
The Walk to Defeat Duchenne unites communities across Canada, bringing together families, friends, and supporters to take action. And this year, it’s happening near you!
Be part of this milestone moment.
On Tuesday, 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 Defeat Duchenne Canada.
Join John along the route, make a donation, or write a message of encouragement.
In our 30th anniversary year, Defeat Duchenne Canada is on track to commit our $20 millionth dollar to research.
With your support, we are accelerating Duchenne science because time is muscle and every moment counts. Join us in making history and pushing research forward until we find a cure!
On January 30, 2024, we proudly announced our latest research grant recipients. Since 1995, we have invested $18.6 million in groundbreaking research.
The event featured updates from eight currently funded researchers and introduced two new promising projects by Dr. Muntoni and Dr. Stintzi.
Recap the Launch
Defeat Duchenne Canada is celebrating 30 years of progress in the fight against Duchenne muscular dystrophy, marking a historic milestone with the 2024 Research Grant Announcement.
Many big announcements were made during the event, including the goal to surpass $20 million funded in Duchenne research this year and John’s plans to hit the road one more time!
We continue to accelerate research, and with the support of families, donors, and volunteers, we will find a cure.
Discover how Defeat Duchenne Canada has transformed hope into action over the past 30 years.
Explore our Timeline of Our Impact on Research to celebrate the major milestones that have shaped progress in the fight against Duchenne muscular dystrophy.
The past 30 years of progress would not have been possible without you. What started as an idea around a family’s kitchen table has grown into an unstoppable family of families.
Let’s keep fighting for a future with safe, effective treatments—and a world free of Duchenne.
The Journey Continues: John's Walk 2025
On June 10, 2025, nearly 80-year-old John Davidson walked 30 km from St. Thomas to London, Ontario, retracing the final leg of the journey he took with his son Jesse in 1995. Browse through some of the memorable moments from this 2025 30 km Walk
Along the Journey
Family fundraisers and community support has been the driving force behind our progress for the last 30 years. We are continuously in awe of the creativity and the compassion of our community. You are the ones making this incredible difference!
Some of the innovators we have funded over the years who have made incredible strides in Duchenne research.
Thirty years ago, John and Jesse Davidson’s legacy began with an incredible journey across Ontario in search of a cure for Duchenne.
