ALS Double Play’s 9th Annual Walk looks ahead to a future without ALS

June is ALS Awareness Month in Canada, and in Markham, ALS Double Play is once again inviting the community to come together with purpose and hope. On June 13, the organization will host its 9th Annual Intentional Walk for ALS at the Pride of Canada Carousel in Downtown Markham.

This year’s theme, “Our Walk, Their Future,” reflects a simple but powerful idea: people are walking today for a future without ALS. Participants walk for loved ones they know and for people they have not yet met—families who may one day face this disease. Through community, fundraising and awareness, ALS Double Play hopes to help change what that future looks like.

This year’s Walk Ambassador is Ian Gowans, a retired teacher who is living with ALS. Ian shares, “Research is hard and takes time and funding. What we do not always see is that the work being done today could lead to a discovery that makes this disease curable. The funds raised at our walk could help make that a reality. That would mean people like me could regain a future, to live our lives with family and friends.”

For ALS Double Play founder Cherrie-Marie Chiu, the walk is deeply personal. She lost her brother, Christopher, to ALS. He was only 32 years old when he was diagnosed. “I see Christopher’s friends come back every year, and now they bring their own families. It keeps him with us, but it also reminds us of what could have been. That is why this walk matters. People are showing us that those we lost are not forgotten, and together we are helping to create a different future for others.”

Now in its ninth year, the walk continues to grow, bringing together longtime participants and those joining for the first time. It has become a place where people feel connected, supported and understood.

While the cause is serious, the day itself is filled with warmth and energy. The walk is family-friendly, with plenty for children to enjoy, and participants are welcome to bring their dogs on leash. There will be a lively warm-up, visits from Markham Fire, carousel rides, and time to connect over food after the walk.

ALS Double Play will also mark ALS Awareness Week in Markham with a flag raising on June 7 at the Markham Civic Centre. Community members are invited to attend and show their support.

As June 13 approaches, ALS Double Play invites everyone to take part. Walk, support, or simply come out and be part of it. The steps taken today can help make ALS history.

To learn more or register, visit ALSdoubleplay.com.

Photo: ALS Double Play founder Cherrie-Marie Chiu with this year’s Walk Ambassador Ian Gowans.