3rd Annual Coquitlam Walk and Roll
Sunday, May 3, 2026
Time: 9:30 am - 11:30 am Pacific
Location: Town Centre - Lafarge Park - 1299 Pinetree Way, Coquitlam, BC
Language: English
3rd Annual Coquitlam Walk and Roll
You are invited!
Walk & Rolls are one of the most important ways the GBS/CIDP Foundation of Canada brings together local communities and raises essential funds to support programs and services for patients and families. Will you join us this year?
Sunday, May 3
Registration opens at 9:30 – Walk starts at 10:00 – Event ends at 11:30
Onsite Contact: 778-387-6997
Town Centre – Lafarge Park – 1299 Pinetree Way, Coquitlam, BC
Registration:
Registration is free, and we have some great thank-you gifts for all our amazing fundraisers! We really couldn’t do it without you!
- Each individual who raises $100 or more will receive a HERO BOX filled with Foundation goodies — including a Walk & Roll T-shirt, bracelet, and foam thumbs-up!
- Each individual who raises $250 or more will also receive an awesome Turtlewear cap.
Want to be a hero but not sure you’ll reach the fundraising goal? We’ve got you covered.
New this year:
- Register as a Supporter for $50 and receive a T-shirt.
Important Note: Walk and Roll T-shirts will not be available on the day of the walk, except for individuals receiving a Hero Box in recognition of their fundraising efforts or those registered as Supporters. A limited selection of other Foundation gear will be available in exchange for an unreceipted donation on the day of the walk.
If you plan to join virtually, please let us know early so that we can make sure you have everything you need for your walk and receive any eligible Foundation gear in time.
See you at the Coquitlam Walk and Roll! We can’t wait to walk and roll together!
RegisterCoquitlam Walk and Roll 2025
Meet Your Walk Chair - Cheryl Dean
Cheryl's Story
In November 2008, I woke with severe pain in my shoulder blades and lower back, and numbness in my hands and feet. My chiropractor suspected Guillain-Barre Syndrome (GBS).Within nine days, my symptoms worsened, and by the time I met with my GP I was unable to walk unassisted.
My GP connected me with specialists at the Vancouver General Hospital, where I was immediately admitted for X-rays and a lumbar puncture, confirming GBS. I spent six days in the ICU, where I received Intravenous Immunoglobulin (IVIG) and faced the risk of lung failure. At my worst, paralysis reached my eyes, I lost 28 lbs in 2 weeks, and was extremely fatigued.
After eight days in the ICU and two in Step-down, I began rehab at Eagle Ridge Hospital. In five weeks, I progressed to dressing myself and using a walker. However, a brief return home over Christmas saw a recurrence of GBS up to my knees. I returned to Vancouver General Hospital for another round of IVIG. In total, I spent 11 weeks in the hospital and nearly a year recovering before returning to work part-time as a Legal Assistant.
Due to my experience in rehab, at 55, I become a Rehab Assistant and a liaison with the GBS/CIDP Foundation of Canada. I now support newly diagnosed patients, hold support group meetings, provide training for student nurses, and educate Allied Health staff. I also advocate for GBS/CIDP awareness, organizing events like the GBS/CIDP Foundation of Canada’s 1 st Annual Coquitlam Walk and Roll. As the Chair of this event, I invite you to join and support our cause.
I volunteer with the GBS/CIDP Foundation of Canada for two reasons:
- to help people, who have been afflicted by these rare illnesses, so they know they’re not alone;
- to provide education to the front-line medical community so that these rare illnesses can be diagnosed quicker which means better outcomes through early treatment.
Please join us by coming out to walk or roll the 1km walk and/or by donating to the GBS/CIDP Foundation of Canada.
