How far would you go for someone you love?

That's the question that led to the birth of Jesse's Journey when one family dared to dream about what's possible after learning the crushing news that Duchenne muscular dystrophy had become a part of their daily lives.

When John and Sherene Davidson learned that their middle son Jesse was diagnosed with Duchenne they charted a life changing course for themselves-setting out to raise research funds to find the elusive cure.

The story of Jesse's Journey began to unfold in the summer of 1995 when John Davidson- at the age of 49-set out on an incredible mission to push his 15 year old son Jesse across Ontario in his wheelchair-a trek of 3339 kilometres. The journey became a rallying point for people in communities across Ontario and across Canada . This grueling test of endurance for a determined father and son generated $1.5 million dollars for research.

Three years later there was another chapter in the amazing story. In 1998 John Davidson found himself on the road again-this time alone. On his son Jesse's 18 th birthday John dipped his running shoes in the Atlantic Ocean at St. John's Newfoundland . 286 days later he dipped those same running shoes in the Pacific at Beacon Hill Park in Victoria . The 8300 kilometre journey across Canada generated $2 million dollars in grassroots donations made by Canadians coast to coast. From their humble beginning the Davidson's managed to bring the Jesse Davidson Endowment on stream. The means was at hand to begin funding research each and every year.

In 2000-2001 John Davidson wrote A Canadian Story. This book was written from journals kept during both walks. The story makes a bold statement. It is an inspiring and captivating story about how an ordinary man and his son accomplished something extraordinary. On every page you will feel the heart of Canada and its people.

“My fondest hope is that you will enjoy and want to share our story with someone you love. I hope you enjoy Chapter One .”

~ John Davidson

Monthly Donations

My Dear Friend,

As a long time supporter of Jesse's Journey I had the good fortune to be on the road as a volunteer with this amazing father and son team whose strength is an inspiration. As a grandfather who saw firsthand the dedication that John and Jesse Davidson have to Duchenne muscular dystrophy research, I decided to become a monthly donor.

Let me share with you the reasons I'd like you to join me in being a monthly donor supporting a charity that is making a difference for all those youngsters.

A monthly gift – regardless of its size – provides a reliable source of funding. My monthly gift helps Jesse's Journey streamline its ability to provide research dollars which are frequently matched by others. It is reassuring to know that my gift (and hopefully yours too!) will be at work every year to fund research through the Jesse Davidson Endowment. And monthly giving is flexible. I can change the amount of my gift or cancel it at any time. And of course at year's end I receive one tax receipt that reflects all of my monthly gifts for that year.

When I was on the road with John and Jesse, it was a magical experience I'll never forget. Like so many things that have grown to have great meaning, it all began as a dream. Now, Jesse's Journey has granted more than $3M from the Jesse Davidson Endowment where the principal is held forever and the interest can only be used to fund research. The dream that I was proud to be a part of when Jesse's Journey took to the road – is well on the way to becoming a reality.

As a friend of Jesse's Journey, I would be honoured to have you join me as a monthly donor. We should all do what we can to help young people who face a difficult road, because now, more than ever…… the journey continues.

Sincerely,

Bill Wilson
- Jesse's Journey volunteer and monthly donor.

To make a monthly donation, please contact Jesse's Journey.