A Maple Ridge resident who was diagnosed with muscular dystrophy at the age of five, is hoping the community joins him walking or rolling, to raise money in the hopes of finding a cure.
Stephen Rysen, who lives with Duchenne muscular dystrophy, started the annual Walk/Roll for Muscular Dystrophy Canada in 2024.
The first event was attended by around 80 people, and Rysen hit his fundraising goal of $15,000.
This year marks the third annual event.
Rysen was diagnosed with the disease in 1988.
He would get tired easily, he wasn’t able to ride his tricycle, he had trouble climbing stairs, and if became stuck in a box, he was unable to climb out.
Doctors told Rysen’s parents that there was no guarantee he would reach adulthood.
However, he is now 43-years-old, and although he is confined to a wheelchair and needs a constant supply of oxygen, it hasn’t stopped Rysen from participating in the walk and giving back to others who are living with the same disease.
According to Muscular Dystrophy Canada, muscular dystrophies are a group of neuromuscular disorders which can also include: myopathies, neuromuscular junction disorders, peripheral neuropathies, and lower motor neuron disorders.
They cause the muscles to gradually weaken over time.
People diagnosed with a neuromuscular disorder may lose the ability to do things like: brushing their teeth, feeding themselves or climbing stairs.
Some people will lose the ability to walk or breathe on their own, the agency notes on their website.
“In some neuromuscular disorders, not only are the skeletal muscles affected, but also smooth muscles around intestines affecting digestion or swallowing. Muscles of the heart and diaphragm, which are important for breathing and circulation, are also affected,” said the agency.
Since 2008, Rysen has participated in multiple walks in support of Muscular Dystrophy Canada in communities like Vancouver and Burnaby, and he has raised more than $200,000 for people living with neuromuscular conditions.
The third annual Walk/Roll for Muscular Dystrophy Canada will take place at 11 a.m. on Saturday, July 25, at Maple Ridge Park, 13180 232 St, Maple Ridge.
It will take place along a fully accessible route through the park.
Maple Ridge Firefighters will also be on site hosting a barbecue from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., with all the proceeds going directly to the cause.