1 Million Steps 4 OCD Walk
Embracing uncertainty, one step at a time!
OCD Walks across the country have been POSTPONED until Fall 2020
Due to the COVID-19 outbreak, the 1 Million Steps 4 OCD Walk program has been moved to the Fall. The IOCDF and its local Affiliates are working to secure new dates and venues so that we can join again as a community when it is safe to do so. The safety and security of the OCD community is of the utmost importance and we appreciate your understanding and look forward to walking together in a few months. Sign up to receive email updates on rescheduled dates for OCD Walks in your area.
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. Funds raised benefit the OCD and related disorders community by helping us to:
Support
Shorten the time to proper diagnosis, improve access to treatment, and increase the number of trained therapists.
Educate
Provide education about what OCD and related disorders actually are through our wesbites, ambassador program and anxiety in the classroom initiative.
Inspire
Engage the entire OCD and related disorders community to advocate and educate in order to reduce stigma!
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.
Sponsor the 2020 OCD Walk!
Do you or someone you know work for a company that is community-oriented and supports non-profit organizations? The International OCD Foundation is looking for corporate sponsors for the 1 Million Steps 4 OCD Walk. Benefits for being a sponsor include:
- Company logo on the Walk website
- Company logo on OCD Walk t-shirts (2,500+ distribution)
- Company logo in email communication to walkers
- Recognition on social media, at the Walk opening ceremonies, and more!
To learn more about sponsoring the OCD Walk,
email Kristen Lynch, at klynch@iocdf.org.
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!