Thank you for Steppin’ Out!
On September 19, families, friends and supporters came together across Canada to raise awareness and stand with everyone affected by PANS/PANDAS.
And we’re still going.
Together, we’ve raised more than $60,000. Steppin’ Out fundraising continues through October 31. Every additional gift helps strengthen support and education, advance Canadian research, raise awareness and move us closer to better access to care.
Steppin’ Out 2026
On Saturday, September 19, 2026, Inflamed Brain Alliance held our 4th Annual Steppin’ Out for PANS PANDAS 2 & 5 km walk, bringing together children, youth, adults, families, friends and supporters across Canada in support of those affected by PANS/PANDAS.
Steppin’ Out is IBA’s national flagship, family-friendly peer-to-peer fundraiser. With both in-person and virtual participation, it raises awareness and vital funds to strengthen support, education, research and access to care for people affected by PANS/PANDAS.
Steppin’ Out of Our Comfort Zone for Healing and Hope
On Walk Day, participants across Canada stepped out—literally and figuratively—in solidarity with those affected by PANS/PANDAS. Together, we continue to walk to end suffering, raise awareness and build hope for better care. Your support helps us bring health to mind.
2026 Steppin’ Out Locations
In 2026, communities Stepped Out together at six in-person locations across Canada, alongside virtual participants from near and far.
Our 2026 Sponsors
Proudly Supported By Our 2026 Sponsors
Steppin’ Out for PANS PANDAS 2026 was made possible through the generosity of businesses, organizations, and community partners who believe every Canadian affected by PANS/PANDAS deserves greater awareness, support, education, and research.
Thank you for helping us bring health to mind.
Presenting Sponsors
Mississauga
Since 2024, Metro Ontario Inc. proudly served as the Presenting Sponsor of our Mississauga Walk. Their generosity is helping families across Canada affected by PANS/PANDAS while advancing awareness, education, research, and support. Thank you, Metro Ontario Inc.!
Champion Sponsors
Edmonton
Rest Stop Sponsors
Kelowna
Edmonton
Edmonton
Halifax
Route Sign & Community Sponsors
Calgary
Edmonton
Edmonton
Edmonton
Edmonton
In-Kind Sponsors
COBS Bread (Calgary)
Cactus Club Cafe Crowfoot (Calgary)
Safeway Montgomery (Calgary)
The Event Group (Calgary)
Melnychuk Real Estate Group (Edmonton)
North Central Co-op (Stony Plain)
SteriMax Inc. (Oakville)
UNFI Canada (Vaughan)
Super Rad Not Bad Tattoos (Bedford)
Thank you to our 2026 sponsors!
We’re grateful to the organizations supporting Steppin’ Out for PANS PANDAS 2026. Their partnership helped keep participation free for families while supporting awareness, peer support, education, advocacy, and Canadian research.
participant resources
Join us on Saturday, September 19, 2026 for Inflamed Brain Alliance’s 4th Annual Steppin’ Out for PANS PANDAS. Choose a 2 km or 5 km walk at one of our six locations across Canada, or participate virtually from wherever you are.
Event Schedule
- Date: Saturday, September 19, 2026
- Time: 12:00–3:00 PM (local time)
- 12:00 PM: Check-in opens
- 12:45 PM: Welcome & opening remarks
- 1:00 PM: Walk begins
Virtual Walk
Can’t join us in person? Walk with us virtually!
Participate from anywhere on September 19 (preferred) by walking in your neighbourhood, local park, or favourite trail. Gather your family, friends, or coworkers, wear your Steppin’ Out t-shirt, and help raise awareness in your community.
In-Person Walks
Join us at one of our six walk locations across Canada.
Check-in opens at 12:00 PM at each location. After the walk, stay for light refreshments and an opportunity to connect with other participants and families.
- Kelowna, BC — Stuart Park (Google Map Route)
- Calgary, AB — Bowness Park (Google Map Route)
- Edmonton, AB — William Hawrelak Park (2 km & 5 km Route)
- Mississauga, ON — Lakefront Promenade Park (Google Map Route)
- Fredericton, NB — Odell Park (Google Map Route)
- Halifax, NS — DeWolf Park (2 km & 5 km Route)
Earn Your Steppin’ Out T-Shirt
Our Steppin’ Out t-shirt is more than just event swag—it’s a symbol of your commitment to bringing hope, raising awareness, and improving care for Canadians affected by PANS and PANDAS.
As our way of saying thank you for your fundraising efforts, every registered participant who reaches the minimum fundraising goal for their participant type will receive an official Steppin’ Out for PANS/PANDAS 2026 t-shirt.
Fundraising Goals
Every participant sets a personal fundraising goal when they register and is encouraged to raise as much as possible. To earn a Steppin’ Out for PANS PANDAS 2026 t-shirt, participants must achieve the following minimum fundraising goal based on their participant type:
- Youth (ages 17 and under): $75
- Adults (ages 18+): $150
Fundraising as a Team?
Your team’s minimum fundraising goal is calculated by adding together the minimum fundraising goals of all registered team members based on their participant type (adult or youth). Once your team reaches that combined minimum fundraising goal, every registered team member earns a Steppin’ Out t-shirt.
Example: A team with 2 adults and 2 youth has a combined minimum fundraising goal of $450 ($150 + $150 + $75 + $75). Once the team raises $450 or more, every registered team member earns a Steppin’ Out t-shirt.
Receiving Your T-Shirt
- In-person participants (Kelowna, Calgary, Edmonton, Mississauga, Fredericton, and Halifax): Your t-shirt will be available for pickup on Walk Day.
- Virtual participants: Your t-shirt will be mailed to you before the event whenever possible.
Wear your Steppin’ Out t-shirt proudly on Walk Day and help bring health to mind in your community!
Be One of the First 10 to Earn an Exclusive IBA Crewneck
Ready for an extra challenge?
The first 10 participants to raise $500 will earn a limited-edition “bring health to mind.” Inflamed Brain Alliance crewneck as our way of saying thank you for your outstanding fundraising efforts.
How It Works
- Register for Steppin’ Out for PANS PANDAS 2026.
- Raise $500 or more through your online CanadaHelps fundraising page.
- Be one of the first 10 participants to reach the goal.
Only verified online donations count toward this challenge. Offline cash and cheque donations are not eligible for determining the first 10 winners.
How Do I Receive My Crewneck?
Once all 10 crewnecks have been earned, we’ll contact each winner to confirm their preferred size and arrange either:
- Pickup at their Steppin’ Out walk location, or
- Delivery by mail.
Don’t wait—once the first 10 are gone, they’re gone!
Everything you need to fundraise with confidence—from tips and templates to team recruiting and offline donation forms.
Fundraising Tips
A quick one-page guide with 8 simple tips to help you get started and reach your fundraising goals.
Download → Fundraising Tips
Donor Email Templates
Ready-to-use email templates you can personalize and send to family, friends, coworkers, and neighbours.
Download → Donor Email Templates
High 5 Donors Campaign
Instead of focusing on a fundraising goal, challenge yourself to find just five donors.
- Donor #1: Make a donation to your own fundraising page.
- Donor #2: Ask a family member.
- Donor #3: Ask a friend—and invite them to join your team.
- Donor #4: Ask your spouse, partner, or someone close to you.
- Donor #5: Ask a coworker, supervisor, or employer.
💚 Five donors can make a big difference!
Team Recruiting Tips
Twelve practical ideas for inviting family, friends, coworkers, and others to join your team.
Download → Team Recruiting Tips
Pledge Form
Collect cash and cheque donations using our official pledge form, which also includes offline donation instructions.
Download → Pledge Form
Photo & Video Guide
Tips for capturing and sharing great photos and videos on Walk Day.
Download → Photo & Video Guide
Thank You, Team Captains!
Team Captains are the heart of Steppin’ Out. Your leadership helps bring people together, build community, and make a lasting impact for Canadians affected by PANS and PANDAS.
Team Captain Welcome Guide
Getting Started
- Register and create your team with a fun, memorable name.
- Recruit family, friends, coworkers, and neighbours to join your team—and encourage everyone to complete their own High 5 by asking five people to support their fundraising.
- Lead by example by fundraising yourself. Team Captains often raise the most because they set the pace.
- Make the first donation to your own fundraising page to inspire others to give.
- Stay connected by encouraging your teammates, celebrating milestones, and keeping everyone motivated throughout the campaign.
For families affected by PANS and PANDAS, everyday life can change in an instant.
An individual who was once thriving may suddenly experience severe anxiety, obsessive-compulsive behaviours, eating restrictions, depression, tics, emotional outbursts, or other neuropsychiatric symptoms following an infection. Families are often left searching for answers while navigating a healthcare system where awareness and access to care remain limited.
Across Canada, too many children, youth, adults, and families continue to face these challenges with little support and few resources.
That’s why Inflamed Brain Alliance (IBA) is committed to changing the future for Canadians affected by PANS and PANDAS through education, peer support, advocacy, awareness, and research.
By Steppin’ Out together, we’re building a stronger, more connected community and helping ensure that no one has to walk this journey alone.
Why We Walk
Funds raised through Steppin’ Out for PANS/PANDAS support IBA’s national programs and initiatives, including:
- The 2027 Canadian PANS/PANDAS Conference
- The Canadian PANS Registry
- Free expert webinars and educational resources
- Peer support and family navigation programs
- National awareness campaigns, including #LightUp4PANS
- Resources for families, educators, and healthcare professionals
- Advocacy and the day-to-day work of Canada’s only registered PANS/PANDAS charity
💚 Every step helps reduce suffering, improve care, and bring health to mind.
Marie’s Story
Walking for: Her Godson
As a parent herself, Marie understands the heartbreak of watching a child suffer and feeling powerless to help. She’s participating in Steppin’ Out to support her close friends, raise awareness of PANS and PANDAS, and help create a future where more families find answers and support.
“Supporting the people we love means showing up, learning more, and helping however we can. Walking is one small way I can make a difference for my Godson and for other families.”
Nancy’s Story
Walking for: Her children, and every family affected by PANS and PANDAS
Watching her children navigate PANS and PANDAS has been one of the most difficult experiences of Nancy’s life. Despite the challenges, she’s turning that experience into hope by raising funds to support research, education, peer support, and advocacy through Inflamed Brain Alliance.
“Every step I take honours my children’s resilience and helps build a future where other families won’t have to face this journey alone.”
Share Your Story
Everyone has a reason for stepping out.
Whether you’re walking for yourself, a loved one, a friend, a patient, or simply because you believe every Canadian deserves access to better care, your story can inspire others to join the movement.
💚 Together, we’re bringing health to mind—one step at a time.
Why IBA is Steppin’ Out
Steppin’ Out for PANS PANDAS is more than a walk—it’s a national movement of hope, awareness, and action.
Each year, Canadians come together in solidarity with the thousands of children, youth, adults, and families affected by PANS and PANDAS. Together, we’re raising awareness, reducing barriers to care, supporting research, and building a future where every individual affected can access the care and support they deserve.
Our Vision
Breaking barriers to care and building healthier futures for everyone affected by PANS and PANDAS.
Our Mission
To unite the PANS/PANDAS community and its allies to expand support, education, advocacy, and research so every individual affected can access care and build healthier, more hopeful futures.
Our Values
Everything we do is guided by our commitment to:
- Well-being – We honour the well-being of everyone affected by PANS and PANDAS.
- Courage – We create opportunities from challenges and lead with hope.
- Innovation – We embrace new ideas and out-of-the-box thinking.
- Collaboration – We learn from and work alongside our community and partners.
- Excellence – We value multidisciplinary, evidence-informed, and integrative approaches to care.
Thank You
Thank you for supporting Steppin’ Out for PANS PANDAS 2026.
Whether you’re participating, fundraising, volunteering, sponsoring, or donating, you’re helping build a future where Canadians affected by PANS and PANDAS have greater access to awareness, education, support, advocacy, and research.
Together, we’re reducing barriers, restoring hope, and bringing health to mind.
volunteer opportunities (walk day)
Inaugural Steppin’ Out Walk – 2023
