The 1 Million Steps 4 OCD Walk is the largest event focused solely on raising awareness and funds for OCD and related disorders.
Each year, members of the OCD community from across the country — and around the world — join together and walk to raise awareness, hope, and funds to support the important programs of the IOCDF and our partnering Local Affiliates. These programs aim to drive change through advocacy, education, research, and resources that improve the lives of those living with OCD and related disorders.
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.
2019 OCD Walk coming this June!
This year, the flagship Boston OCD Walk will be held on June 1st, 2019 at the DCR's Mother's Rest at Carson Beach (pending final permit approval). In addition to the Boston walk, we will once again have over 20 additional 1 Million Steps 4 OCD Walks hosted by our Local Affiliates taking place across the country. More information on exact dates and locations will be available when registration launches on April 1st, 2019!
Sign up for OCD Walk Email Updates to stay up-to-date on registration launching and OCD Walks in your area!
Become a Sponsor
By partnering with the IOCDF as a OCD Walk sponsor, you help to ensure that everyone has access to the amazing community provided at every 1 Million Steps 4 OCD Walks across the country. Sponsors help us to market to a broader audience, gain access to the best registration and fundraising technology, and host OCD Walk events that will be remembered by all for a lifetime.
Interested in your company or organization sponsoring the 1 Million Steps 4 OCD Walk? View our 2019 OCD Walk Sponsorship Benefits and contact Eli Peterson at epeterson@iocdf.org to learn more about both local and national marketing opportunities.
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.
Why Walk for OCD?
Jeff Szymanski, PhD, Executive Director of the IOCDF, shares why we need to walk for OCD and related disorders awareness.