600km bike ride raised over $400k for genetic disorder research

A Hamilton boy and his father wrapped up their 9th annual bike ride and fundraiser for those living with a genetic disorder called Duchenne muscular dystrophy.

Andrew Sedmihradsky biked 600 km in 5 days to raise funds and awareness to find a cure for his 12-year-old son Max’s genetic muscle disorder.

“Very early on, I decided this is something that at least my way of dealing with it is fighting it, and that’s what Max’s Big Ride is,” Sedmihradsky says.

Max was diagnosed with Duchenne muscular dystrophy when he was 2. The condition affects 1 in 3,500 boys and causes muscles to weaken as they get older.

The ride started in 2015, when Max and his dad rode their Dutch cargo bike 600 km between Hamilton and Ottawa. For the past 3 years, the ride took place in the family’s front yard.

Max says he noticed a bigger turnout from the community with the ride happening here in Hamilton.

Andrew says he’s thankful for the ongoing support from the community. The fundraising finished with a BBQ, silent auction, and bake sale at a local brewery.

Over the past 9 years, Andrew says they have raised over $400,000, with 100% of the proceeds going towards research into better outcomes for those living with Duchenne muscular dystrophy.