OLD TOWN, Maine — Dozens gathered at Old Town High School Sunday for a one mile walk in honor of Dylan McInnis, who died from a congenital heart defect in 2016 at the age of 14 years old.
The event was organized by the Courageous Steps Project, which seeks to provide resources for kids and young adults of various abilities and challenges. The organization’s founder Connor Archer knew Dylan and he said lived with autism.
After his death, Archer dedicated this yearly walk to Dylan.
"This has been my life’s honor to do this event—not only event, but to run this organization," Archer said Sunday.
Archer hoped to raise $10,000 from this year’s walk. He says the money would go towards several of the nonprofit’s initiatives, including a back-to-school drive, and scholarship funds.
As of 6 p.m. Sunday evening, 95 percent of that goal had been reached.
Aside from the fundraising effort, Sunday’s walk offered a chance for friends and family to reflect on Dylan’s life.
Jamie and Chip McInnis, Dylan’s parents, describe their son as "a very giving person" who "would help anybody if they needed help with anything."
According to family and friends, Dylan also led a life full of hobbies and passions, including hockey, photography, and the weather.
"He was an energetic special kid," Tonya Brown, a volunteer at the walk, said. "Heart of gold, loved sunsets."
You can donate to the walk by clicking here.