The Laidlaw Family's Mission

The Laidlaw family from Stittsville is on a mission that can change lives – finding a cure for their son Jack’s rare genetic condition, Hereditary Spastic Paraplegia Type 4 (SPG4). This debilitating disease, which currently has no known treatment or cure, is causing Jack to progressively lose his mobility due to the degeneration of neurons in his brain. As Jack is only 7 years old, time is of the essence; researchers are making strides toward developing a gene therapy, but they need financial support to push their work into human clinical trials. Every dollar raised isn’t just for Jack—it’s for everyone suffering from SPG4.

Car Washes for a Cure – Shine Your Car and Save Lives!

As the spring season brings along dirty roads and vehicles, it’s the perfect opportunity to spruce up your car while contributing to a life-changing cause. The Laidlaw family has teamed up with Halo Car Washes to host the "Car Washes for a Cure" fundraiser. When participants get their cars washed, 50% of the proceeds go directly to funding SPG4 research. The fundraiser runs until December 31, 2025.

Here’s how to participate: after registering, customers will receive a wash code via text that can be used at any Halo pay terminal. Halo Car Washes has seven locations across Ontario, including Stittsville, Orleans, Keswick, Waterloo, Woodstock, London, and Stratford, making it easy for everyone to pitch in.

Jack’s Gala – A Night Under the Stars

Mark your calendars for Saturday, May 24, 2025! The Laidlaws are hosting an elegant gala, “Reaching for the Stars – a Night of Hope,” at the Brookstreet Hotel in Kanata. This event promises a delightful evening filled with exquisite dining and entertainment by the talented Tyler Kealey, all in support of finding a cure for Jack and others battling SPG4.

Every ticket purchased and every sponsorship or donation directly aids in the groundbreaking research for a treatment that could be the first of its kind for SPG4 globally. Attendees will not only enjoy a wonderful night out but will also actively contribute to life-saving research.

Stay connected and find out more about the event on social media platforms such as Facebook and Instagram (@jacks_gala). For complete details, including ticket sales and how to sponsor or donate, check out the gala's website at: SPG4 Cure Fundraiser.

Join the Battle Against SPG4!

The Laidlaw family invites you all to join them in this battle against SPG4—support a family, uplift a community, and help reach for a brighter future!