April 18, 2019

Dear friends,

Every year I seek your support for the annual OCD Walk in Boston, either for my personal fundraiser page or for the Walking with Nathaniel Team, as its Team Captain. I keep coming back to you, not to hassle you, but because I feel as if these annual walks do much to raise public awareness and funds for OCD and OCD-related illness, like BDD. The latter was so little known during Nathaniel's 13 year illness, but now it's talked about more readily and openly. Happily, we've made huge progress in that regard. At the annual OCD Conferences, there exists a BDD track that has grown significantly in attendance over the past few years, covering a wide-range of issues related to this cruel brain disorder.

So, friends, this growing recognition requires funding, especially to train therapists and to promote and sustain evidence-based research. Even the traditional protocol for treating OCD needs to be properly modified and adapted to BDD sufferers, given the nature of the illness. A decade ago when Judy and I searched for general information about BDD, we did so in vain. Today's Internet engines provides us readily with information, and the International OCD Foundation boasts the availability of a state-of-the-art website dedicated specifically to BDD. I'm proud to say that your support of my pilgrimage back in 2012 and my annual walks thereafter made this important addition possible. But it's just the beginning. We can't stop there!

On June 1, the Walking with Nathaniel Team will gather at Carson Beach, South Boston to celebrate the growth of our OCD Community since 2012. Yes, the annual 1 Million Steps 4 OCD Walk is the direct outgrowth of my original 525-mile pilgrimage from Cheyney, PA to Boston, MA. Last year over 450 people came together, a far cry from the original 1 person, me, when I trekked 7 years ago, mostly alone or with a few friends en route. I'm now even more surrounded by family and friends. Wouldn't Nathaniel be proud of how far we have progressed in less than a decade? If 2% of the population suffers from BDD, then lots of folks are depending on us for support and advocacy. We are called to witness!
Will you join Judy, Carrie, Daniel and me to be a part of this year's Walking with Nathaniel Team? If you can't make it to Boston, you can still walk virtually by supporting our team's efforts. Here is the link for you to do so. Remember, no donated amount is too little. I'm a big believer than small amounts easily add up when many participate. Thank you for your support.

Join or support the WWN Team: https://support.iocdf.org/WWNBoston-2019 or pledge on my fundraising page https://support.iocdf.org/WalkingDenis-2019

With gratitude, Denis