Starting on Father’s Day this year, my four year old son Max and I set off on a 600 km cargo bicycle ride from Ottawa to Hamilton along the Trans Canada Trail – a journey we named ‘Max’s Big Ride’. Max and I made this ride to advance awareness about Duchenne muscular dystrophy and also to raise money for research. So far the ride has raised close to $55,000.

Max’s Big Ride was a true family affair as Max’s grandparents and mother also hit the road with us in support roles. It was a tremendous adventure and we saw lots of wildlife along our scenic route and met even greater numbers of kind and incredible people. Max and our family were welcomed warmly by cheering crowds at various points along the way and we were all deeply touched and incredibly thankful for all the support we received.

I am happy to report we made it to the finish line, arriving in Hamilton’s Bayfront Park on Canada Day, July 1st, to the cheers of our friends and supporters. While Max’s diagnosis has been very hard for our family to deal with, we have decided to roll up our sleeves and fight this horrible disease as best we can. This year’s ride is just the beginning, and planning for our 2016 fundraiser will begin in a few weeks.