The Tenaquip Foundation Walk for Muscular Dystrophy raising funds, hope and unity in new ways

“We’re also excited that this virtual event has presented an exciting opportunity to connect our neuromuscular community nationally, and provide individuals who weren’t able to attend in- person Walk events, an opportunity to participate,” adds Lintern.

The Tenaquip Foundation Walk4MD is a signature fundraising event for MDC that raises much-needed funds to support Canadians impacted by neuromuscular disorders. This year, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the funds raised from the Walk are more important than ever.

“There is an urgent need to raise funds to meet the increased needs of our clients during this time,” says Lintern. “We’ve had to cancel the majority of our fundraising events for the safety and well-being of our team and the neuromuscular community. That unfortunately, has resulted in a 60 per cent decrease in revenue in our first quarter, and subsequently a 40 per cent reduction of our equipment program. We now have nearly 100 people on a waiting list for critical equipment, and we’re receiving four-times the number of requests, we typically do, for other programs and services.”

The goal of The Tenaquip Foundation Walk4MD this year is to raise $750,000. These funds will be invested in services and programs, like equipment, and ensure MDC can meet the unique needs of the neuromuscular community while continuing to invest in research for better health outcomes for individuals impacted by neuromuscular disorders.

The Tenaquip Foundation Walk4MD national ambassador this year is 4-year-old Deccan Gill, who is well known on social media @SuperDeccan, where he shows off his top-notch hockey skills and raises awareness to find a cure for his disorder. He was diagnosed with Duchenne muscular dystrophy, a genetic neuromuscular disorder. Duchenne affects muscles needed for mobility, breathing and heart function. There are over 500 genes and many autoimmune conditions associated with the various types of neuromuscular disorders, which like Duchenne, are all supported by MDC.

“Although Deccan is not showing any symptoms at the moment, we are uncertain what the future holds,” says Deccan’s mom, Reena. “But with every donation made to The Tenaquip Foundation Walk4MD, we have more hope for Deccan and all Canadians impacted.”

The Gill family’s favourite part of Walk4MD each year is seeing and interacting with other families and building a network of support. “It feels good to know that there are other families going through the same thing, and that they are here for us,” says Deccan’s dad, Manny. “This year, we are looking forward to seeing the creative ways participants will walk together online.”

To learn more about The Tenaquip Foundation Walk for Muscular Dystrophy or to register for this exciting event, please visit walk4MD.ca

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