Delaware Speedway hosting Fund Raising Friday for Jesse's Journey.

It's been 15 years since John Davidson pushed his wheelchair-bound son Jesse across Ontario. Three years later, in 1998, John walked alone from coast to coast. Both of those amazing efforts raised awareness of Duchenne muscular dystrophy at a time when few people even knew what it was. Duchenne affects 1 in 3,500 children, mostly boys, stripping them of their ability to move independently and shortening their lives. Jesse's Journey has been raising money and increasing knowledge ever since.

Jesse succumbed to Duchenne in November of last year but Jesse's Journey is as strong as ever. John fulfilled Jesse's dream of carrying the Olympic torch as it passed through London last Christmas Eve. And now another important year of fund-raising and awareness is underway.

Delaware Speedway is hosting a Fundraising Friday on the track, on Friday May 7th as part of Walk Across Canada in a Day for Jesse's Journey. Everyone is welcome to take part and gather pledges or just drop a few dollars into the kitty and do a lap around the half-mile track at 7:30 pm before the late models get the green flag at 8. Ex-racer and Jesse's Journey volunteer Ken Chaplin says no amount is too small.

"That extra loonie or toonie that comes in might be the one that finds the cure. That's always been our belief. We're happy with any amount."

There will also be two 50-50 draws on the night of the walk; one in the pits for the drivers and one among the fans. Ken says fundraising will continue at the track all season.

"Delaware will also donate registration fees from the King of the Hill races to Jesse's Journey."

We hope you'll help Delaware Speedway add to that total on May 7th and perhaps give the coin that finds the cure.

Pledge forms are available for download at: http://www.jessesjourney.com/walkaccrosscanada.asp

Check our schedule for King of the Hill nights:

By Lisa Brandt
March 29, 2010