Why We Walk
The 1 Million Steps 4 OCD Walk provides a supportive community, increases awareness, and raises funds for the IOCDF and its Local Affiliates, enabling them to continue their mission:
Resources
Funds raised support programs that shorten the time to proper diagnosis, improve access to treatment, and increase the number of trained therapists — your support helps us get closer to the finish line!
Research
The 1 Million Steps 4 OCD Walk began as one father’s journey to support research funding. It has blossomed into a nationwide effort to support the initiatives and evidence-based programs of the IOCDF and Local Affiliates – and is growing every year!
Respect
No matter how OCD affects your life, when you walk with us, you join a community of thousands across the country — and the world — who are fighting back against stigma and supporting each other.
Walk With Us!
Whether you’re able to join us at the flagship 1 Million Steps 4 OCD Walk in Boston, attend a Walk hosted by one of our Local Affiliates taking place in cities across the US, or participate by setting up a team and holding a community grassroots Walk, there’s an opportunity for everyone to join the 1 Million Steps 4 OCD movement.
Register for an OCD Walk!
Thank you to our National Sponsor
Interested in being a sponsor of the 1 Million Steps 4 OCD Walk? Click here for more information.
Our Inspiration
In 2012, Denis Asselin walked over 500 miles — or roughly one million steps — from his home in Cheyney, PA, to Boston, MA, in memory of his son Nathaniel. Nathaniel took his own life at just 24, after a long struggle with severe body dysmorphic disorder (BDD) and OCD. After Nathaniel’s death, Denis decided to embark on a pilgrimage to honor Nathaniel and to raise awareness about the disorder that stole his young son’s life. On June 5, 2012, Denis completed his walk in Boston, and was greeted by staff of the International OCD Foundation, as well as friends, family, and members of the OCD community at a rally honoring Denis and supporting OCD and BDD awareness. To carry on this tradition, the 1 Million Steps 4 OCD Walk was created the following year in the same spirit of raising awareness, funds, and hope. It is in this spirit of hope that we invite you to join us.
Let’s see how far we can go!