• More than $420,000 raised by 11 walks from coast to coast.
• 1,369 walkers/rollers.
• Involvement from 115 sponsors.
• Thousands reached with the story of FSHD, increasing awareness and understanding.

So many things factor into the success of this event – tremendous volunteer leaders, a growing army of engaged walkers and fundraisers, corporate supporters, and staff leadership. Also playing a pivotal role was our investment in the technology needed to support it all. Our peer-to-peer system made it easy for individuals and teams to share personal stories with their friends and family and to enlist them to fundraise on their behalf.

“The Colorado Walk & Roll is a great testament to how powerful the peer-to-peer fundraising platform is,” said Katie Ruekert, who founded the Colorado event four years ago. “During our first two years, we used a different fundraising model which included a registration fee. Our first year we raised $21,000, and in our second year we raised $32,500. In 2018, with the peer-to-peer technology, our participants set up their own teams to raise more funds, and we doubled what we raised to over $67,000! In addition to doubling the amount we raised, we doubled the number of participants and reached that many more families,” Ruekert added. “It has been magical to see not only our Colorado Walk & Roll grow, but also witness the expansion of other Walk & Rolls across the country.”

We couldn’t be prouder of this growing community of activists, and we can’t wait to bring this movement to more communities next year and making an even greater impact as we drive toward treatments to families by 2025!