Description
☮️ PEACE, LOVE & DM AWARENESS! 💜🐾
It's RACE time! Join Shade Out DM Foundation for our 2026 RACE at Your Own Pace to #ShadeOutDM, - "Together We Can PEACE-OUT DM!
📅 November 14–22, 2026
🌎 Worldwide Virtual RACE
💜 FREE Registration - Everyone Welcome!
Some Pups Can't. - WE CAN!
Every step, every photo, and every share can help make a difference for dogs affected by Degenerative Myelopathy (DM), a devastating disease often compared to ALS (Lou Gehrig's Disease) in humans.
Our RACE isn't about speed, distance, or crossing a finish line. It's about coming together, having FUN, honoring our DM Warriors, and raising awareness so future generations of dogs have a better chance.
Walk, run, roll, stroll, or participate from your couch! Grab your pup, your friends, or even your favorite stuffed animal. Wherever you are, YOU can join the movement!
☮️ How to Join the FUN!
- REGISTER FREE! Sign up and join an existing team or create your own.
- SPREAD THE LOVE! Share your team or fundraising page with friends and family. Invite them to join you or support your efforts.
- GET YOUR SHADE ON! Put some sunglasses on your pup (or favorite stuffed animal), grab your RACE bib, and snap a photo!
- SHARE THE AWARENESS! During RACE Week, November 14–22, post your photos on social media, tag Shade Out DM Foundation, and use #ShadeOutDM.
Why the sunglasses? Because KC stole everyone's hearts wearing her sunnies & now everyone loves those adorable photos, and that gives us the opportunity to start conversations about DM!
Imagine social media filled with pups wearing sunglasses, all helping people discover a disease they may never have heard of!
👕 Want an Official 2026 RACE Shirt?
Registration is FREE, but fundraising helps keep our mission moving!
Participants who raise $200 or more in donations earn an official 2026 RACE package!
Simply register, select or create your team, and share your fundraising page. Donations credited toward your qualifying fundraising total help you earn your shirt package.
💜 RACE shirts, swag, and prizes will be shipped after the conclusion of RACE Week. Your 2026 RACE shirt will be a special keepsake commemorating your participation in this year's mission!
Registration is FREE, and fundraising is encouraged to help support the Foundation's mission and programs.
☮️ Run / Walk / Stroll for our DM Warriors & Make a Difference!
#ShadeOutDM 💜🐾
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🧬 What is Degenerative Myelopathy (DM)
DM is often called the canine version of ALS (Lou Gehrig’s Disease). It’s a progressive, genetic disease affecting the spinal cord and over 100 dog breeds (& mixed breeds now too). Symptoms usually appear between ages 8-14, starting with ONE hind-leg weakness & loss of coordination, eventually leading to full paralysis, incontinence, organ failure, and respiratory failure all while their mind is still fully aware.
The heartbreaking reality?
- Many families have never heard of DM until their own dog begins showing symptoms
- Many vets still don’t know about DM -It’s often misdiagnosed / mistaken for other conditions, delaying the support pups & pawrents need.
- It’s entirely preventable with genetic testing & responsible breeding decisions can help reduce the number of dogs born at-risk
DM is on the rise - NOW is the time to speak up for the pups! Awareness matters. Education matters. And EVERY dog deserves a better future!
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💜 About Shade Out DM Foundation
Shade Out DM Foundation is a 100% volunteer-run, registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. We are dedicated to:
📚 Educating ~ 💬 Supporting ~ ♿ Loaning ~ 📣 Advocating
Our Mission:
To improve the health and well-being of dogs affected by DM while preventing future cases through awareness and education.
Your Support Helps:
- Fund KC’s Kruisers Loaner Cart Program for dogs in need
- Attend veterinary and breed-specific conferences
- Contribute to DM research
- Provide awareness materials and educational outreach
- Support for pawrents taking the DM journey & veterinarians caring for their DM patients.
All proceeds go directly toward these efforts.
🌐 Donate at: www.shadeoutdm.org
Let’s RACE to #ShadeOutDM - because no dog should suffer needlessly!
Together, we can make a difference. 💜🐾
Race Website
Additional race information can be found at https://shadeoutdm.com/next-upcoming-race.
Race Contact Info
Distance Details
The distance will be at each participant's choice! (Hence the "Race At Your Own Pace" theme)
This is a VIRTUAL RACE for you to do in YOUR OWN TOWN!
RUN, WALK, RIDE or even ROLL... The point is to SPREAD the WORD about DM!!!
Shade Out DM Foundation has been approved to utilize "Woof Trax" as the mapping tool! (You will need to download the app to your mobile device).
The best part is that it also raises funds!!! Download the WoofTrax app!
*Log your miles: Join Our Group: 2026 Walk to Peace-Out DM by ShadeOutDM on WoofTrax https://link.wooftrax.com/5zp329
*Download the app to your mobile device & then Log your miles by using our Group "2026 Walk to Peace-Out DM by ShadeOutDM" on WoofTrax https://link.wooftrax.com/5zp329
Directions
Anywhere
