More Than a Walk: Ride or Stride 2026
There is something very special about seeing the Manitoba Rett community together in one place.
On Sunday, September 27, 200+ people gathered at King’s Park for the 2026 Ride or Stride for Rett Syndrome Walk & BBQ. Among them were 13 individuals living with Rett syndrome. With only 22 individuals known to be living with Rett syndrome in Manitoba, having so many attend with their families, friends and supporters was incredible.
The day began with a land acknowledgement and blessing from Knowledge Keeper Frank Beaulieu, Kayleigh & Ansleigh’s grandfather. Faye Bauer then got everyone moving with a fun Zumba warm-up before the Girl Guides led participants along the three-kilometre route through King’s Park.
After the walk, everyone came together for the barbecue and activities. Mick E. Moose was once again a favourite, and families enjoyed face painting, balloons, music and time together. A beautiful balloon arch created by 204 Balloons provided the perfect backdrop for photos captured by Ellen of EEBE Design.
More Than Fundraising
For Manitoba families, Ride or Stride is about much more than raising money. Rett syndrome can sometimes feel isolating, and opportunities for families to spend time with others who truly understand their journey are rare.
The walk gives children and adults living with Rett syndrome, along with their parents, siblings, grandparents and supporters, an opportunity to reconnect, build friendships and celebrate their community.
Together, this year’s participants raised over $31,100 for the Manitoba Rett Syndrome Association. The funds will help the association continue supporting Manitoba families, raising awareness and advocating for better care, research and access to treatments.
It Takes a Community
An event of this size would not be possible without the many people working behind the scenes.
Heather, Suzanne, April, Keenen, Bryce, Taylor, Colby, Sandy, Lionel and additional volunteers helped with registration, the barbecue, setup and cleanup.
Rick, Sarah’s dad, provided the sound system and music. Ellen of EEBE Design captured photos throughout the day and helped ensure everyone received information about the construction and marathon reroute.
Thank you to Sharon, Sarah’s mom, for organizing the Girl Guides, who helped set up the route and led the walk through the park. Marcy, Taylor’s mom, and Luca, a therapy dog, also joined the families for the day. The Winnipeg Jets once again arranged for Mick E. Moose to attend and create special memories for the children and families.
FoodFare provided the use of the barbecues and took care of delivering the food and picking everything up afterward. The beautiful arch from 204 Balloons brightened the event, while John Henry Creations once again helped with signs.
The Manitoba Rett Syndrome Association is incredibly grateful to every sponsor, volunteer and supporter who helped make the day possible. Finding sponsors can be difficult for a small organization, and every contribution helps create an event where families feel connected, supported and celebrated.
Presenting Sponsors: Art Magic Co. and Acadia Pharmaceuticals
Gold Sponsors: Enns Brothers, Taysha Gene Therapies and Winnipeg Kinsmen
BBQ Sponsors: Phil’s Honey and LinkWell Financial
Friend of MRSA: Access Credit Union
Thank you to everyone who registered, donated, fundraised, volunteered, or walked. Whether it was your first Ride or Stride or you have supported the event for years, you helped make the 2026 walk a day the Manitoba Rett community will not soon forget.
Seeing so many families together was the best part of the day—and a powerful reminder that no one in the Rett community is alone.