We’re pleased to share this message from our friends at Stand for Duchenne about a new initiative they have created called Reclaim the Day.

Many Duchenne families, including ours, will never forget the day their children were diagnosed. The feeling of shock, panic, and helplessness is only a fraction of the emotions that we all experienced that day. We want to “Reclaim the Day” and remind families and our communities how fortunate we are to have such special children in our lives. We also want to give a day back to our kids that is not about Duchenne but about them and what makes them so special.

How Reclaim the Day will work: SDC and a judging committee will review all submissions and invite one Duchenne family to “Reclaim the Day”. Working closely together, SDC will help host a one-day event in the recipient’s community that will celebrate a joyful or meaningful activity of their choice. This could include events like, a concert featuring your own band, an art exhibit featuring your work as a photographer or artist or even a video gaming party.

The ask: We’re calling all interested Duchenne families in Canada to submit a 350-word (maximum) essay describing their day of diagnosis and how they would like to reclaim their day. Please submit your entry by Sunday, October 7, 2018 at 9:00 PM EST to DMDadvocacy@cohnwolfe.ca.

The chosen submission will most effectively demonstrate how their chosen activity will “Reclaim the Day”, giving them strength, hope and resilience, ultimately reframing their day of diagnosis. Stand for Duchenne will help plan a full day around your activity and the things you love and a few special surprises, to make it full of happiness and joy to help you reclaim the day.

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to email DMDadvocacy@cohnwolfe.ca or Alyssa Acorn (alyssa.acorn@cohnwolfe.ca or 647-259-3304).

Thanks so much,

Nicola Worsfold
Founder and Chair Stand for Duchenne Canada