September 19, 2022 – Muscular Dystrophy Canada (MDC) proudly recognizes extraordinary volunteers and partners through its annual Dr. David Green Awards. These individuals and organizations have demonstrated exceptional dedication to advancing MDC’s mission through advocacy, fundraising, service, and engagement.
2022 Award Winners
- Leadership in Advocacy Award – Catherine Boivin
Recognized for her powerful advocacy on behalf of adults with spinal muscular atrophy, Catherine has raised nearly $1 million for Muscular Dystrophy Canada, contributed to Rare Disease Day campaigns, informed newborn-screening policy, raised awareness of SMA and shared her experience to affect change in the drug regulatory process.
- Outstanding Healthcare Partner Award – Dr. Bernard Brais
As Director of the Rare Neurological Diseases group at the Montreal Neurological Institute and Hospital, Dr. Brais has improved neuromuscular genetic diagnosis and care in Quebec, mentored neuromuscular specialists, and collaborated closely with MDC across board, medical advisory, and research initiatives.
- Rising Clinician/Researcher Award – Dr. Martine Tetreault
A researcher at CRCHUM since 2018, Dr. Tetreault uses RNA-sequencing to identify genetic causes of myopathy, supports MDC webinars, and mentors early‑career professionals.
- Fire Department of the Year – Burnaby Fire Department
Continuing a long-standing tradition, Burnaby Fire Fighters raised over $60,000 in a single year — part of more than $1 million raised since 1991 — even while navigating pandemic restrictions and natural crises.
- Dr. Katie Manders Courage to Inspire Award – Jessica Janzen Olstad
Since her son’s passing from SMA, Jessica has tirelessly championed newborn SMA screening in Alberta, leading to the province’s pilot program launch that set a precedent for other provinces.
- Dr. George Karpati Researcher of the Year – Dr. James Dowling
A leading authority in congenital myopathy research, Dr. Dowling (University of Toronto/SickKids) has authored or co-authored over 100 peer-review manuscripts, led industry and academic-sponsored clinical trials, and co‑discovered two clinical-stage therapies for congenital myopathies.
- Excellence in Service Delivery Award – Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabiliation Hospital
In 2022, the team collaborated with MDC on a groundbreaking Sexuality Guide for Neuromuscular Disorders — a first-of-its-kind resource designed to support healthcare practitioners in addressing the sexual health needs of youth aged 14–18 with neuromuscular conditions. The multidisciplinary team continues to make a lasting impact on the neuromuscular community.
- Distinction in Chapter Leadership Award – Brad Crittenden
Brad Crittenden is honoured for his outstanding leadership with MDC’s South Okanagan Chapter and the Canadian Association of Pompe. A passionate advocate, donor, and advisor, Brad’s collaborative efforts in advocacy, fundraising, and volunteer engagement have created new opportunities and strengthened MDC’s impact across the neuromuscular community.
- Mary Anne Wickham Award for Volunteer of the Year – Donna Nixon
Donna Nixon, past Chair of MDC’s Board of Directors, is recognized for her exceptional leadership during the pandemic. From advancing newborn screening to fostering a culture of trust and accountability, Donna’s strategic guidance and tireless volunteerism have been vital to MDC’s resilience, growth, and mission delivery.
- Dr. David Green Impact Award – Novartis Pharmaceuticals
Novartis Pharmaceuticals is recognized for its transformative partnership with MDC to advance newborn screening for Spinal Muscular Atrophy across Canada. Through financial support, knowledge-sharing, and trust, Novartis has helped MDC change lives—ensuring early diagnosis and life-saving interventions for children with SMA.
- Fire Fighter of the Year Award – Mike Rao
Mike Rao of the Guelph Fire Department is honoured for dramatically increasing fundraising efforts for MDC through Fill the Boot and rooftop campout events. His leadership has raised over $400,000 to date and inspired fellow firefighters, ensuring the longevity of vital support for the neuromuscular community.
- Caring Corporate Partner Award – The Canada Post Community Foundation
The Canada Post Community Foundation is recognized for supporting MDC’s inclusive education efforts. Its generous funding enabled AccessAbility presentations for schools nationwide, helping students with neuromuscular disorders thrive in supportive learning environments and fostering a culture of inclusion, awareness, and respect in classrooms across Canada.
- Outstanding Philanthropist Award – Lloyd Lawrence
Lloyd Lawrence is honoured for his longstanding generosity, leadership, and commitment to MDC’s mission. A former board member and dedicated donor, Lloyd supports vital research and inspires others to give through his advocacy and outreach. His impact ensures continued progress for individuals affected by neuromuscular disorders across Canada.
- Newfoundland and Labrador Provincial Champion Award – Justin Roberts
Justin Roberts is recognized for over a decade of passionate fundraising for MDC. Living with Duchenne muscular dystrophy, Justin raised over $3,500 in 2021 through Walk4MD and the Atlantic Fall Raffle. His dedication raises vital awareness and funds, helping others in the neuromuscular community thrive.
- Prince Edward Island Provincial Champion Award – Noella McDonald
Noella McDonald receives this award for her nearly 30 years of advocacy and fundraising for MDC. Living with spinal muscular atrophy, Noella was PEI’s top fundraiser in 2021, selling ornaments and raffle tickets, and personally donating. Her commitment ensures others affected have access to equipment, therapies, and a supportive community.
- New Brunswick Provincial Champion Award – Shawn Cunningham
Shawn Cunningham is celebrated for his leadership in MDC fundraising and fire department engagement. A Musquash firefighter, Shawn co-chaired major events, helped organize Fill the Boot, and serves on MDC’s national committee. His dedication empowers MDC to fund research and deliver life-changing programs for those affected.
- Nova Scotia Provincial Champion Award – Lily MacDonald
Lily MacDonald, age 10, is honoured for raising over $10,000 through Walk4MD in memory of her grandfather. Her 2022 efforts included crafts, bake sales, and heartfelt thank-yous to donors. Lily’s passion and leadership inspire others to support MDC’s mission and improve lives across the neuromuscular community.
- Quebec Provincial Champion Award – Alfred Breton-Paré
Alfred Breton-Paré is recognized for over a decade of leadership with the High Rise Challenge, raising $11,000 in 2022. A dedicated MDC board member and father to a child with Duchenne muscular dystrophy, Alfred shares his story to amplify awareness and drive change for the neuromuscular community.
- Ontario & Nunavut Provincial Champion Award – Guelph Fire Department
The Guelph Fire Department is honoured for its unwavering support of MDC, raising over $416,000 since 1971. Their innovative fundraising during the pandemic, strong social media presence, and commitment to succession planning have set a high standard, helping MDC grow awareness and deliver vital services to the neuromuscular community.
- Manitoba Provincial Champion Award – Thompson Fire Department
Thompson Fire Department is recognized for its six-decade partnership with MDC, raising over $256,000 to date. Their consistent support, including through the pandemic, and engagement in awareness-building activities ensure people with neuromuscular disorders receive essential services, support, and medical equipment that improve their quality of life.
- Saskatchewan Provincial Champion Award – Prince Albert Fire Fighters Charitable Fund
The Prince Albert Fire Fighters Charitable Fund is celebrated for raising over $128,000 since 1971. Even during the pandemic, they donated from reserves and created new initiatives like “Stop the Caroling.” Their creativity and dedication have helped MDC continue providing essential support to individuals and families affected by neuromuscular disorders.
- Alberta & Northwest Territories Provincial Champion Award – Wesley Bauman
Wesley Bauman of Edmonton Fire Fighters is recognized for his leadership in raising over $100,000 annually for MDC. His creativity, including the Rooftop Campout ice bath challenge, and media outreach have increased visibility and support for the neuromuscular community, ensuring continued access to services, care, and advocacy.
- British Columbia & Yukon Provincial Champion Award – Syra Tak
Syra Tak and her team Devotion 2 Motion have raised over $104,000 for MDC since 2012. Inspired by Justin and Jayden Johal, Syra exemplifies youth leadership through Walk4MD and deep community engagement. Her decade of dedication inspires others and empowers youth to support people affected by neuromuscular disorders.
- New Brunswick Change Makers Award – Grand Manan Fire Department
The Grand Manan Fire Department is recognized for its creative fundraising, including a 32-hour Swallowtail Lighthouse campout, raising nearly $3,400 since 2020. Their efforts not only generated vital funds but also significantly boosted awareness of MDC’s mission, helping ensure continued support and visibility for the neuromuscular community.
- Quebec Change Makers Award – Clinique Parents Plus
Clinique Parents Plus is celebrated for its free services and advocacy supporting parents with physical disabilities. Their collaboration with MDC, participation in educational initiatives, and client-centred approach inspire other organizations and help ensure individuals affected by neuromuscular disorders can access critical resources and equipment when they need them.
- Manitoba Change Makers Award – The Grift Family
The Grift family is honoured for over a decade of support through Walk4MD, Fire Fighter events, and local initiatives in Holland, Manitoba. Their active community presence and peer support have fostered connection, raised awareness, and helped people affected by neuromuscular disorders feel seen, supported, and empowered.
- Saskatchewan Change Makers Award – Team W5
Team W5 has raised over $15,000 annually since 2014 in Lankbank, Saskatchewan. Despite pandemic challenges, they created online auctions and remained active in Walk4MD and educational sessions. Their unwavering commitment continues to improve lives, fund research, and inspire action for the neuromuscular community, especially families affected by Facioscapulohumeral MD.
- Alberta & Northwest Territories Change Makers Award – Calgary Casino Committee
The Calgary Casino Committee raises $50,000–$75,000 every 18 months through casino events supporting MDC’s equipment programs. Their meticulous planning, volunteer coordination, and perseverance ensure people with neuromuscular disorders have access to vital mobility aids, empowering them to live, work, and play with greater independence and dignity.
- British Columbia & Yukon Change Makers Award – Team Ross’s Rollers/Victoria Barbell
Formed in memory of Ross Wristen, Team Ross’s Rollers carries a 400 lb yoke —symbolic of Ross’s power chair — to raise funds through Walk4MD. Their dedication, creativity, and resilience continue to honour Ross’s legacy, while inspiring others to support those with neuromuscular disorders to live fully and fearlessly.
