A Maple Ridge living with muscular dystrophy was the recipient of one of Muscular Dystrophy Canada’s highest honours.
Stephen Rysen, the man behind the annual Run, Walk & Roll for Muscular Dystrophy Canada, was awarded the 2026 Hope in Action Community Award in recognition of his contributions to help break down barriers for the neuromuscular community.
“We had a bigger turn out than last year. We have a few more families in the muscular dystrophy community come out to the event,” said Rysen, who lives with Duchenne muscular dystrophy, and was diagnosed with the disease in 1988.
At one point doctors told Rysen’s parents that there was no guarantee he would reach adulthood.
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 giving back to others who are living with the same disease.
He started the annual Walk/Roll for Muscular Dystrophy Canada in 2024.
Last Saturday, July 25, at Maple Ridge Park, Rysen marked the third annual event, which included a barbecue hosted by Maple Ridge Fire and Rescue, with every penny going to the cause.
“(It) was the first year of this event being recognized as a national event by Muscular dystrophy Canada. Maple Ridge firefighters did a great job with the event. I am proud of our loyal friendship,” he said, noting the event raised about $12,300 so far, but they still have a final count to do.
Online, the Maple Ridge firefighters union said their members were proud to stand alongside Rysen for the annual Run, Walk & Roll in support of Muscular Dystrophy Canada.
“We’re incredibly proud of the work Stephen continues to do for the muscular dystrophy community and congratulate him on being named this year’s recipient of the Hope in Action Community Award. A well-deserved honour, and we’re proud to support this amazing event each year,” they said.