The One Million Steps for OCD Walk is a community engagement event that allows individuals across the country to connect, share stories, create impact, and show those struggling on their road to recovery that they are not alone. In addition, the OCD Walk is an opportunity to raise funds and awareness of what it really means to have OCD!

The One Million Steps for OCD Walk began in 2013, inspired by the pilgrimage of Denis Asselin. In 2012, Denis walked from his home in Cheyney, PA, to Boston, MA in memory of his son, Nathaniel. Nathaniel took his own life at the age of just 24, after a long struggle with severe body dysmorphic disorder (BDD) and OCD. Denis walked almost 500 miles—roughly one million steps—to honor his son and raise awareness about the disease that stole his life. The community walks together to further this mission of awareness-building and stigma reduction.

“We whisper about mental health issues and avoid asking too many questions. The brain is abody part, too. We just know less about it. And there should be no shame in discussing orseeking help for treatable illnesses that affect too many people that we love. We’ve got to get ridof that embarrassment. We’ve got to get rid of that stigma.”–Denis Asselin