London Inc. April 2022 - 16

Upfront Philanthropy
BOLSTERING
THE JOURNEY
New name, same mission
as Jesse's Journey
becomes Defeat
Duchenne Canada
IF YOU'VE LIVED in London for any
length of time, you will likely know the
story of Jesse's Journey. It became part
of our local lexicon 27 years ago when
15-year-old Jesse Davidson (he was
diagnosed with Duchenne muscular
dystrophy when he was six) and his
dad, John Davidson, embarked on their
first " journey " .
The duo decided they would traverse
Ontario - Jesse in a wheelchair,
John pushing him on foot - to raise
awareness and funds for research, with
the ultimate goal of finding a cure for
Duchenne. That first walk raised $1.5
million for Duchenne research, and
it went on to become a cross-country
trek.
Jesse passed away in 2009 at the age
of 29.
In February, it was announced
that the organization the Davidsons
founded has now rebranded to
become Defeat Duchenne Canada
(www.defeatduchenne.ca). Its goal,
however, remains unchanged - to
help raise funds and awareness for
Duchenne, as well as support the one
in 5,000 boys born with Duchenne and
their families.
" The new name defines what we're
all about, and easily identifies who we
are and what we do, " explains Defeat
Duchenne Canada CEO, Perry Esler.
" Jesse and John's vision remains - a
future without Duchenne. "
With a large focus on research, the
organization grants between $1.5
million and $2 million annually and
to date has contributed $15 million
to fund 50 projects around the world,
says Esler. " There is still no cure, but
16 | londonincmagazine.ca | APRIL 2022
Perry Esler and John Davidson
" JESSE'S GRIT AND DETERMINATION
INSPIRED THOUSANDS TO HELP IN THIS
FIGHT. IN MY HEART IT WILL ALWAYS BE
JESSE'S JOURNEY " -John Davidson
there are treatments that are proven
to slow the progression of Duchenne's
debilitating symptoms. "
The organization's website also
provides information and resources,
as well as serving as a forum that
connects and supports families who
may feel overwhelmed and alone.
" If you're living in a small community,
your son might be the only child in
town with Duchenne, " says Davidson.
" When we started this, we knew
that research is expensive and that we
had to do something fairly big - and
we knew we were in for the long haul,
for boys far beyond Jesse, " continues
Davidson, who remains involved as a
volunteer and as a non-voting member
on the Defeat Duchenne board of
directors.
" This is a huge transformation that
our entire family is proud to support.
Jesse would want to do whatever will
have the most impact, " he says.
In part, Davidson says the name
change is about moving forward - and
serving Duchenne families from coast
to coast. He knows that other boys with
a range of names are fighting the very
same battle that his son did.
" Jesse's grit and determination
inspired thousands to help in this fight.
In my heart it will always be Jesse's
Journey. "
KYM WOLFE
http://www.defeatduchenne.ca http://www.londonincmagazine.ca
London Inc. April 2022

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