Yannik Richard, who suffers from ALS, hopes his journey will help raise hope and
solidarity across the country regarding this incurable disease, where every diagnosis
leads to a fatal prognosis
MONTREAL, June 1, 2025 – As part of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) Awareness Month,
ALS Quebec is launching a series of fundraising events that highlight courage, perseverance,
solidarity and hope. This year, the organization is shining a spotlight on what will be an inspiring
human achievement: Yannik Richard, a Quebecer living with ALS, will travel across Canada in his
motorized wheelchair to raise public awareness of the disease, create ties with people and renew
hope for those who live with this reality.
“Yannik truly brings our slogan, ‘Embody hope together’ to life,” said Claudine Cook, Executive
Director of ALS Quebec. “His journey carries several important messages: a heartfelt cry, a call to
action, and a living testimony to the strength and will of our community. He wants to show that
anything is possible, and we believe in that as well.”
“ALS steals your body, but it will never steal your courage,” stated Yannik Richard. “Every kilometre
I cover will be a victory over the disease. I also hope that every kilometre covered brings us closer
to our goal: to push back and ultimately end ALS.”
A living symbol of resilience
Yannik Richard, 50 years old, married, and father of three children, is an ALS Quebec Ambassador.
He has been living with this neurodegenerative disease, which progressively limits his mobility,
for about two years. Rather than let ALS hold him back, he chose to confront it by undertaking a
4,500-kilometre cross-country trek, linking Western and Eastern Canada. This journey, both
physical and symbolic, aims to challenge the limits imposed by ALS.
His motorized wheelchair has been specially equipped, enabling him to cover thousands of
kilometres across both mountainous and flat terrain. The electric motor has been upgraded, and
the chair’s battery now offers a 50-kilometre range. He intends to travel up to 150 kilometres per
day, weather conditions permitting.
Throughout his journey across Canada, he will stop in several cities to meet families affected by
the disease, as well as researchers and volunteers involved in the ALS cause.
A summer of unity and action
This year, ALS Quebec’s summer activities will be powered by the momentum that Yannik Richard
inspires. “Research is progressing, but it needs help from all of us”, said Professor
Richard Robitaille, President of the ALS Quebec Research Fund. “Through initiatives such as this
journey across Canada, we can raise the public’s awareness of research needs and dream of a
future without ALS.”
Signature, essential events
This exceptional initiative aligns with ALS Quebec’s annual signature events, such as the Walk to
End ALS and the ALS Quebec RIDE cycling event. Each year, these activities mobilize thousands of
participants across the province. In June, as a sign of solidarity with the ALS community, several
public and private buildings will be illuminated in the organization’s colours. Amyotrophic Lateral
Sclerosis Awareness Month is also marked by a special moment of commemoration,
Lou Gehrig Day, traditionally celebrated on June 2. This day pays tribute to one of the greatest
baseball players in history, who died of ALS in 1941.
Summertime fundraising activities play a vital role in supporting ALS Quebec’s mission. Together
with community-driven initiatives, they generate over 40% of the annual revenue needed to
advance research and provide comprehensive support, at every stage of their journey, to people
living with ALS.
Walk to End ALS
Every year since 2000, the Walk to End ALS has brought together thousands of people across
Quebec to honour or remember a loved one affected by Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis. In 2025,
the event returns with a series of walks beginning May 31 and continuing through June and
September.
Saturday May 31: Outaouais/Ottawa
Saturday June 7: Jonquière | Quebec City | Saint-Hyacinthe | Sherbrooke | Trois-Rivières
Sunday June 8: Thetford Mines
Saturday June 14: Montreal | Sainte-Adèle
September: Charlevoix | North Hatley (dates to be confirmed)
ALS Quebec RIDE
Since 2008, ALS Quebec RIDE has united cyclists from all over Quebec for a common goal:
supporting persons living with ALS and their families, while actively contributing to research. For
its 18th edition, the event will take place on August 16 and 17, 2025 in the Joliette region. The
public can also participate and contribute to the event remotely.
About ALS
ALS is a serious neurodegenerative disease that leads to the progressive deterioration of motor
neurons, affecting the body’s ability to perform voluntary movements. Each year, around
4,000 Canadians are diagnosed with ALS, the equivalent of two new cases per 100,000 members
of the population. In 80% of cases, life expectancy after diagnosis is between two and five years.
Professor Richard Robitaille, neuroscientist at Université de Montréal and President of the
ALS Quebec Research Fund, emphasizes that scientific research plays a central role to end this
disease: “Promising breakthroughs are under way thanks to the commitment of Quebec’s scientific
community. Financial support is essential to maintaining this momentum and advancing
discoveries.”