On June 5th, the iconic El Mocambo in Toronto was transformed into a beacon of hope and support as Music Heals celebrated its 10th anniversary. This landmark event raised $435,000 for Muscular Dystrophy research at Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital, significantly advancing the battle against Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD).

What is Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy?

DMD is the most common fatal genetic disorder diagnosed in childhood, primarily affecting boys. Unfortunately, most who suffer from DMD won’t make it past their twenties. Despite this prognosis, there is a growing sense of optimism as research makes remarkable strides toward finding a cure, offering new hope to families affected by the disorder. 

All proceeds from Music Heals 10 benefited the Biggar Endowment for Muscular Dystrophy at Holland Bloorview. This endowment is a big step towards funding advanced research and developing new treatments for DMD, impacting the lives of children with DMD across Canada.

Proud Sponsors and Participants

Wisedocs was honored to be one of the eight sponsors for this year’s event, helping to bring awareness to DMD and supporting groundbreaking research. Our team members Karishma Shah, Michelle Nokes, and Arlo Godel  attended Music Heals 10, showing their dedication and solidarity with the cause. The involvement of several sponsors magnifies the importance of community and corporate support in driving meaningful change. 

"Attending the Music Heals 10 charity event was a heartwarming and enlightening experience. The evening was filled with vibrant music, full hearts, and warm smiles. I gained a deeper understanding of Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy and witnessed the incredible strength of the families fighting to end this disease. It was a special night, bringing together amazing people and companies united in support of an important cause." - Michelle Nokes, Wisedocs Customer Success Manager.

A Decade of Dedication and Impact

Music Heals began in 2012, inspired by Kadey Schultz’s love and determination for her son Emery, who was diagnosed with DMD. Over the past decade, this event has evolved into a significant force for raising awareness and funds for DMD research. Emery’s participation in a pivotal drug trial at Holland Bloorview, enabled by Music Heals, led to the FDA approval of a new treatment, highlighting the impact of these efforts.

The 10th anniversary of Music Heals was more than just a celebration of past successes; it was a powerful call to action to continue the fight against DMD. The event paid tribute to Kadey Schultz, her family, and all other families facing the challenges of DMD, inspiring attendees with their unwavering resilience. Guests at the El Mocambo enjoyed an electrifying performance by the band United Soul Nations, creating an incredibly uplifting atmosphere. The venue, now restored and made accessible for all, embodied the inclusive and supportive spirit of the event.

Inspiring Many More Years of Music, Hope, and Healing 

Music Heals 10 was not just a fundraiser but a testament to the strength of community, love, and music in driving positive change. The substantial funds raised will directly support ongoing research, offering hope and new possibilities for children with DMD and their families.

As we reflect on the accomplishments made by Music Heals over the past decade, the future looks brighter than ever. The journey toward a cure for DMD continues, fueled by the generosity and commitment of sponsors and individual supporters participating in Music Heals. This event commemorated a significant milestone and renewed our collective pledge to fight for every child’s chance at a healthier, longer life.