Throughout the years, I have had the opportunity to participate in many walks for Huntington's and Juvenile Huntington's disease. It is always a special feeling to be part of the crowd to celebrate who we are in our local communities. A walk for HD/JHD is also a mechanism to fundraise, broaden awareness, and to get local communities involved and educated.
Then, in walked Cindy Moore - President of WeHaveAFace.org Canada! As our readers have witnessed through many of our videos, WHAF Canada truly knows how to raise the bar, and set a new standard for what an actual Huntington's walk should look like. I remember the first time I participated in WHAF Canada's walk. Truly, I thought it was going to mirror the typical walks which happen across our international community.
I WAS WRONG
Here is a taste of what took place last year at WeHaveAFace.org Canada's 2nd Annual Walk for Huntington's and Juvenile Huntington's disease.
Cindy Moore is one of a kind! I've been blessed to know Cindy, her daughter Erin Wade (Erin has Juvenile Huntington's disease), her entire family, and her incredible community!
"How in the world do you do this Cindy?" Which was literally the question I asked her.
"I've been advocating for Huntington's and Juvenile Huntington's disease for many years. It's not easy...it takes time and hard work to get the community involved. Now, the City of Brockville is aware of who we are and how important our cause is." Cindy Moore explained.
Witnessing what should be called a "parade" was so inspiring to me. This is not your traditional "walk" - by no means! When you participate in WeHaveAFace.org Canada's walk, be prepared to wear the most comfortable walking shoes you can find!
Each year, Cindy and her team challenge themselves...how can they top their last walk?
As per Cindy Moore, "The walk is almost 6 kilometers. It starts at St. Lawrence Park and goes up Harley Street where there are big beautiful homes on the River. Then we go to Ann Street...Jessie Street...to St. Paul Street to King Street, which is our Main Street West. It's not over yet! The walk then takes participants all the way down to Market Street where we have our farmers market three times a week. Then, we travel to Water Street...all the way back along the river. A highlight of the walk is passing through Rib-fest which is also on that weekend. Finally, the walk brings us back to St. Lawrence Park!"
"This year we will have the Brockville Thrill Dancers, as well as the Broadway Dancers. Also joining us will be the Brockville Ghostbusters, and an SMA Karate Club. The Rocky High and the Northern Lights Band will join us for entertainment following the walk. I am also excited that WHAF Team USA President (James Valvano) will be joining us this year!"
WeHaveAFace.org Canada has decided to support Dr. Blair Leavitt's Huntington's disease research at the Centre for Huntington Disease. Donations from this walk will be allocated to his vital research program.
If you want to participate in this truly amazing event, please contact Cindy Moore directly on Facebook for more details, or visit the event webpage.
