The Ottawa Walk & Roll for Muscular Dystrophy Canada is a meaningful and fully accessible community event that raises vital funds to support individuals and families affected by neuromuscular disorders. On June 8, 2025, this event invites people of all ages and abilities to gather in solidarity, helping to fund research and provide critical services to those living with these progressive and often life-limiting conditions.
This year, the event is aiming to raise an ambitious $1.2 million to help Muscular Dystrophy Canada (MDC) continue its life-changing work. The funds will be used to invest in groundbreaking research and deliver essential programs and services. These include connecting individuals with service specialists to help them navigate the healthcare system, advocating for improved access to treatments, and providing vital equipment that can dramatically improve, or in some cases save, lives.
Organised by a dedicated volunteer committee, the Walk & Roll isn’t just about fundraising — it’s about connection, awareness, and inclusion. Each year, families, caregivers, individuals with neuromuscular disorders, and their supporters come together to walk, roll, and show their commitment to breaking down the barriers faced by those in the neuromuscular community.
Muscular Dystrophy Canada’s work supports people affected by a broad range of neuromuscular disorders. These are conditions caused by changes in the genetic code or the autoimmune system, impacting the muscles and the nerves that connect to them. While muscular dystrophy is the most recognised, many other disorders fall within this group, including myopathies, neuromuscular junction disorders, peripheral neuropathies, and lower motor neuron disorders.
Symptoms and severity vary widely among these conditions. Some become apparent in infancy or childhood, while others don’t present until adulthood. The progression of symptoms can be gradual, cyclical, or, in some cases, relatively stable. Many affected individuals experience progressive muscle weakness, which can limit everyday activities like climbing stairs, brushing teeth, or walking. In some cases, the muscles of the heart, diaphragm, and those used for digestion can also be affected, leading to more complex medical challenges.
Ottawa Life Magazine readers will fondly remember Ryan Lythall, a beloved columnist and passionate advocate who passed away in March 2025. Living with a neuromuscular disorder, Ryan used a wheelchair and required a ventilator, yet he remained a powerful and unwavering voice for accessibility and disability rights in Ottawa. His recent passing is a profound loss, and his legacy makes events like Walk & Roll all the more meaningful, as they continue the work he cared so deeply about.
Though most neuromuscular disorders currently have no cure, advances in research have led to promising new treatments for certain conditions, such as spinal muscular atrophy. Early and accurate diagnosis remains crucial to ensuring people receive appropriate care, treatment, and access to life-changing therapies. Rehabilitation strategies, including physiotherapy, occupational therapy, and access to specialist care, continue to make a significant difference in improving quality of life.
The Ottawa Walk & Roll provides an important public platform to increase understanding, share personal stories, and raise awareness about the realities of living with a neuromuscular disorder. Contributions to the Ottawa Walk & Roll directly support the programs and services that Muscular Dystrophy Canada delivers year-round.
The volunteer committee is actively welcoming new participants, sponsors, and supporters to get involved in the 2025 Walk & Roll. Every contribution—whether through financial donations, volunteer hours, or simply showing up to walk or roll—plays a vital part in funding services and research that can transform lives. Additionally, it’s an opportunity to stand alongside individuals and families impacted by neuromuscular disorders.
Register or donate to the Walk Roll for Muscular Dystrophy Canada event in Ottawa on Sunday, June 8, 2025, by clicking here or calling 1-800-567-2873.
Photo: Courtesy muscle.ca/walkandroll
