Breaking Down Barriers Together: Celebrating the 2025 Dr. David Green Award Recipients

Award recipients joined together on stage at the 2025 Dr. David Green Awards Banquet, celebrating leadership, impact, and a shared commitment to breaking down barriers.

On November 22nd, 2025, Muscular Dystrophy Canada proudly gathered with volunteers, Fire Fighters, clinicians, researchers, donors, and partners from across the country for the 2025 Dr. David Green Awards Banquet, an inspiring night dedicated to recognizing the people help us Break Down Barriers with the Canadian Neuromuscular community.  Named in honour of Muscular Dystrophy Canada’s co-founder, the Dr. David Green Awards celebrate those whose leadership, generosity, and commitment are transforming the lives of Canadians affected by neuromuscular disorders.  Award recipients were presented with their awards by staff and Board members in a powerful celebration of their impact. 

Meet our 2025 Dr. David Green Award Recipients! 

Portrait of an elderly male firefighter dressed in formal attire holding a framed photo award.Mary Ann Wickham Award for Volunteer of the Year – Launie Fletcher 
A volunteer since 1984, Launie has been instrumental in strengthening Fire Fighter partnerships across Middlesex and Perth Counties, helping raise more than $1.5 million to date. In 2024 alone, Fire Fighters raised $31,482.75 under his guidance. His thoughtful succession planning ensures this impact will continue for generations. 

 

 

Portrait of a man in a wheelchair with glasses, a grey goatee and hair and a woman dressed in purple with glasses and red hair. The man is holding a framed photo award.Dr. Katie Manders Courage to Inspire Award – Danny & Michelle Morris 
This dynamic volunteer duo supported boot drives, planned Walk & Roll events, and sold 730 raffle tickets, raising $10,786 in 2024, a $2,000 increase year over year. Their energy and passion break down both financial and engagement barriers in their community. 

 

 

logo for the Rexall care network, written in teal and green beside a stylized green and teal circle. Under the logo is the tagline, "supporting the caregiver community".Caring Corporate Partner Award – Rexall Care Network 
Recognized for national leadership in community health and its ongoing role in expanding awareness, access, and support for the neuromuscular community.

 

 

 

logo for the four oaks foundation includes the foundation name in white sans serif font on a royal blue background.Outstanding Philanthropist Award – The Four Oaks Foundation 
Honoured for transformational generosity that continues to strengthen our programs, research, and family supports nationwide. 

 

Portrait of two male firefighters dressed in formal attire holding a framed photo award. Both men have mustaches and dark hair.Fire Fighters of the Year – Eric Muldoon & Brett Short, Richmond Hill PFFA Local 1957 
Through multiple boot drives, Walk & Roll leadership, and grant-enabling partnerships, Eric and Brett demonstrated how Fire Fighter leadership can directly accelerate access to funding and community impact. 

 

 

Portrait of two male firefighters dressed in formal attire holding a framed photo award. Both men have mustaches and dark hair.Fire Department of the Year – St. Albert Fire Fighters Union, Local 2130 
Supporting Muscular Dystrophy Canada since 1971, St. Albert Fire Fighters have raised $581,300 to date (including $50,660 in 2024 alone!), while also mentoring other departments to expand the Fire Fighter fundraising legacy. 

 

 

Headshot of grey haired woman holding a framed photo award.Leadership in Advocacy Award – Margo Thompson 
Recognized for advancing fair access to medicines for people living with myasthenia gravis, and for championing equity, inclusion, and patient voice in health policy and research. 

 

 

Headshot of dark haired woman holding a framed photo award.Outstanding Healthcare Partner Award – Dr. Maryam Oskoui 
Honoured for national leadership in pediatric neuromuscular care, newborn screening, research excellence, and compassionate clinical practice that has transformed care pathways across Canada. 

 

 

 

Headshot of dark haired woman holding a framed photo award.Rising Clinician/Researcher Award – Dr. Marianne Nury 
Celebrated for early-career excellence in multidisciplinary training, national education, and emerging leadership in neuromuscular care. 

 

 

 

 

Headshot of dark haired woman holding a framed photo award.Dr. George Karpati Award for Researcher of the Year – Dr. Reshma Amin 
Recognized for CIHR-funded national research leadership, advancing real-world evidence, respiratory care, and equitable models of neuromuscular treatment. 

 

 

 

 

A group of people stand side by side, holding framed photo awards. The group is nicely dressed in formal attire and includes 2 women and 5 men.Fred Shaddick Community Spirit Award – Shad’s R&R Board of Directors 
Celebrating 50 years of impact and more than $6 million raised for neuromuscular research, an extraordinary legacy of volunteer-driven philanthropy. 

 

A group of people stand side by side, dressed in formal attire. The group includes 2 men and 2 women, with one name, a fire fighter in formal attire holding a framed photo award.Dr. David Green Impact Award – London Professional Fire Fighters Association, Local 142 
Honoured for 58 years of partnership and surpassing a historic milestone of over $1 million raised through boot drives, rooftop campouts, ladder climbs, and Walk & Roll support. 

Together, these award recipients are helping advance neuromuscular research, expand access to  life-changing equipment and build a future where “when,” not “if,” becomes the reality for treatments and cures.  Because of them, and you, Muscular Dystrophy Canada will continue Breaking Down Barriers in 2026 and beyond, until every barrier is removed. 

Sponsored byBrand name "argenx" written in grey sans serif font followed by a decorative green down arrow.

“Early diagnosis and effective treatment are critical to achieving the best possible outcomes for babies born with this neuromuscular condition...”

Dr. Pranesh Chakraborty

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