The Roadmap Has Been Launched. Now Let's Walk It—Together.
Please join us this September for the Steps Move Science 2026 VIRTUAL Walk as we launch the next chapter in the fight against Smith-Magenis Syndrome.
This September, every step you take helps move the SMS Research Foundation's 5-Year Research Roadmap—our bold plan to accelerate research, strengthen trial readiness, and move closer to our North Star: a first disease-modifying clinical trial for Smith-Magenis Syndrome. Join families and supporters around the world as we walk with purpose, fund innovative research, and help accelerate the path toward a first disease-modifying clinical trial for Smith-Magenis Syndrome.
Although we won't all be walking together in the same place, we'll be united by one shared purpose: walking the roadmap together and funding the future of SMS research.
WHO: Anyone can join! Register to create your own team, join an existing team, or participate on your own. Once registered, you'll receive your own fundraising page where you can share your story, upload photos, and invite family and friends to support your journey. Registration is $25 for adults, $17 for children (18 & under), and FREE for your loved one with SMS.
Whether you're a long-time supporter or joining us for the first time, every participant becomes part of a growing community committed to changing the future for individuals and families living with SMS.
WHAT: The Steps Move Science Virtual Walk is more than an annual fundraiser—it's an opportunity for our entire community to help bring the 5-Year Research Roadmap to life.
Every dollar raised helps fund the critical work needed to:
- Advance innovative research
- Support promising new scientific collaborations
- Strengthen trial readiness
- Accelerate progress toward disease-modifying treatments
To honor the chromosome 17 deletion that causes SMS, we encourage participants to walk 17 minutes, 17 blocks, or 1.7 miles—but those are simply suggestions.
Walk, run, bike, hike, swim, dance, or choose any activity that gets you moving. Every step represents hope, progress, and a commitment to moving science forward.
WHEN: Participate anytime between now and the end off September — wherever you are — for our Annual Steps Move Science Walk benefiting the SMS Research Foundation.
WHERE: Anywhere!
Your neighborhood...
your favorite trail...
a local park...
the gym...
your treadmill...
or even your living room.
No matter where you participate, every step contributes to a shared movement that spans communities across the country—and beyond.
WHY: For the first time, our community has a clear roadmap toward disease-modifying treatments for Smith-Magenis Syndrome. Our 5-Year Research Roadmap outlines a strategic plan to accelerate groundbreaking research, expand scientific partnerships, improve trial readiness, and move toward a first disease-modifying clinical trial.
But roadmaps only become reality when they're funded. Your participation in the Steps Move Science Virtual Walk helps turn scientific promise into real progress for every family affected by SMS.
HOW: Register. Create your fundraising page. Invite your family and friends to support your walk. Share your journey throughout September by posting photos and videos and tagging the SMS Research Foundation. Use hashtags:
#StepsMoveScience
#WalkTheRoadmap
#SMSResearch
#MovingScienceForward
Don't forget to explore our Team Captain Toolkit, Fundraising Resources, and Sponsorship Opportunities to help maximize your impact.
Questions? Contact us anytime at info@smsresearchfoundation.org.
Thank You
Every breakthrough begins with someone willing to take the first step.
Thank you for joining us as we Walk the Roadmap. Fund the Future. Together, we're moving science forward and bringing hope to every individual and family affected by Smith-Magenis Syndrome.