Together, Let's Build Inclusive Community
We create inclusive community and support families affected by rare disease
We create inclusive community and support families affected by rare disease
Advancing research and innovation to move closer to cures for Duchenne muscular dystrophy and other rare diseases.
Eliminating barriers so everyone—regardless of circumstance—can access care, support, and meaningful opportunities.
Amplifying voices, promoting self-advocacy, and driving policy change within rare disease and disability communities.
Centering lived experiences and offering support rooted in humility, compassion, and respect.
Using art, movement, and storytelling as tools for connection, healing, and emotional well-being.
Patricia is the founder of Damian’s Project, a non-profit organization dedicated to rare disease initiatives, inspired by her son, who had Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD). Driven by a mission to end DMD, Patricia also focuses on raising awareness about related implications such as disability, neurodivergence, chronic illness, and mental health.
With a bachelor's degree in health sciences, Patricia brings a deep understanding of the complexities surrounding rare diseases. She is also a certified yoga, Tai Chi, and Qi Gong instructor, incorporating these practices into her advocacy work to promote holistic well-being.
Through Damian’s Project, Patricia has created a supportive community, bringing people together to foster awareness, support, and hope for those affected by rare diseases and their families.
Christine is the program curator and outreach liaison at Damian’s Project.
As a certified yoga teacher with a background in music, Christine leads yoga and sound meditation, incorporating the healing benefits of Himalayan sound bowls in her practice. Her classes are trauma-informed, nurturing and grounding.
Christine is passionate about being a part of Damian’s Project and values nurturing safe and inclusive spaces for people with diverse needs.
She looks forward to bringing community members together to share their knowledge, artistry and passions.
Eve (she/her) is a settler Canadian of mixed-European ancestry born on Mi’kmaq territory, and has been an uninvited guest on the traditional, ancestral and unceded land of the sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish), sel̓íl̓witulh (Tsleil-Waututh), and xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam) Nations since 2014.
She brings extensive experience designing and managing programs related to social justice and DEI, communicating hard-to-measure outcomes, and building capacity for social change in trauma-informed spaces – approaching it all with a neurodivergent brain.
She’s had a 20+- year relationship with yoga and movement practices and has completed several teacher trainings. She’s thrilled to be combining her commitment to social justice and accessibility, with passion for creating inclusive wellbeing spaces through her work with Damian’s Project
Our mission is to support individuals and families affected by rare diseases through a variety of engaging community events that bring people together and make a tangible difference. Our community events are at the heart of Damian’s Project, designed to create a supportive and inclusive environment for all participants. These events include:
Join us at Damian’s Project community events to help us create a world where individuals with muscular dystrophy and other rare diseases are supported, understood, and included. Together, we can make a difference.
Our programs have empowered many individuals, providing them with the skills and resources to advocate for their rights.
Our efforts have led to increase in policy reforms, advancing equality and justice for marginalized groups across the board.
Through our interventions, we have achieved a huge reduction in human rights violations, contributing to a safer society for all.
Damian was diagnosed with Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD), a neurological, muscle-wasting disease, when he was 8 years old. It was difficult to adjust to such a grievous prognosis. Our family struggled to understand the implications of his diagnosis on our daily lives and long-term plans.
Though receiving such news would be challenging for anyone, Damiandidn’t let his physical limitations stop him from exploring his many interests. He discovered love for outer space, drawing, marine life, high-speed trains, and science. When prompted, he could talk about his favorite topics for hours at a time. Damian’s curious personality and inquisitive nature made him quick-witted, with a snappy comeback always at the tip of his tongue.
Damian was passionate about making positive change in the world and dreamed of creating a community that welcomed everyone. He understood how disability isolates people and as someone who was also neurodivergent, he was well aware of the wide array of wellbeing challenges today’s communities face.
He dreamed of creating a community built on support and free of judgment. A space that was intentionally safe for all bodies, abilities and lived experiences and where no one was forced to disclose their disability or the barriers they faced when it came to wellbeing.
In the summer of 2023, Damian passed away in his sleep. Even though Damian lost his battle with DMD, the fight isn’t over. Damian’s spirit lives on through Damian's Project which will continue its mission to support those affected by DMD, continue the search for a cure, and create an inclusive wellbeing community. We aim to honor Damian’s indomitable spirit and immense courage, keeping his legacy alive in our future endeavors.
We’d love to hear from you.
