One Small Step set out with a bold goal in 2025: raise $250,000 for Prader-Willi syndrome research. Thanks to an unstoppable community, that goal was blown right out of the water. This year, One Small Step raised $354,000, bringing real momentum to breakthroughs for people living with PWS.
This success did not come from flashy campaigns. It was built on grassroots energy, team pages, local sponsors, and one community committed to making a difference.
Here is a look at the people and places that made 2025 such an incredible year.
Somonauk, IL
May 17, 2025
Led by Carolyn Reiswitz, Somonauk wrapped small-town charm around a mighty mission. The best part? Watching Carolyn’s son Miles take the first steps of the walk…something he couldn’t do last year at their inaugural event.
Fundraising team:
Miles for Miles
Hobart, IN
May 17, 2025
Decked out in bright colors and even brighter energy, the Hobart High School Key Club turned their walk into a color run that brought the whole community together.
Fundraising team:
Hobart High School Key Club
Elizabethtown, KY
May 31, 2025
With leadership from Rachel Hussain and storytelling from Becca Vaughn, this humble 5K was powered by community!
Fundraising team:
Rachel Hussain
Deptford, NJ
May 31, 2025
In just its second year, One Small Step New Jersey already feels like a tradition. Hosts Jennifer Lloyd and Jordan Yates brought families together, built teams, and created a day that felt equal parts celebration and mission.
Fundraising teams:
Team Nora, Team Avir, Team Silas, Team Emma, Team Michael, Team Mikhel, Team Finn, Team Savva
Washington, DC
June 7, 2025
For year 13, One Small Step DC delivered joy from start to finish, even with threatening rain clouds overhead. From bubbles to a walk through the heart of DC, hosts Dominique Deleage, Allison Shelton, Rachael Petterson, and Amanda Click have created a powerful movement.
Fundraising teams:
Declan Shelton, The Click Family, The Drewery Family, Mae Bozzelli, Emily Folmer, Charlie Deleage, Emeric Flloyd Underwood, Paul Cirino, Mackenna Pence
Deerfield, IL
June 7, 2025
Twelve years in, and Heather Osterman and Katie Larson are still leading with heart, rallying a community that refuses to slow down and keeps showing up for families affected by PWS.
Fundraising teams:
Team Max, Team Graham, Team Lucas, Gabby Gallops with Glitter, Heidi & Aiden, Team Gillian, Team Asher, Team Jolie, Team Nolan, Team Reilly
Hillsboro, OR
August 2, 2025
One Small Step Northwest brought grit, generosity, and hometown pride to every step! They continue to show that small towns can fuel world-changing research. (Plus, their raffle can’t be beat!)
Fundraising teams:
Chelsea Balumas, Jamie Lentz, Diane Schantin, Staishya Siller, Keely MacIntyre, Amber Price, Liz Handy
Clawson, MI
September 6, 2025
Michigan made it’s One Small Step debut in Clawson, and we have Christina Schaublin and her daughter, Vivian, to thank!
Fundraising teams:
Christina Schaublin, Andrew Matejek, Joyce Ogilvie, Patty Piltz, Marsha Cresman, Suzanne Thiel
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Avon, IN
September 13, 2025
Year 10 tried to throw everything at Avon... rain, a last-minute location change, and even missing shirts. This crew showed up anyway. That’s what One Small Step looks like when it’s powered by people, not perfection.
Special congratulations to Teresa Walker, Decade of Impact award recipient, for leading the way!
Fundraising teams:
Team Emma, Team Sweet Baby James, Team Evan
Lincoln, NE
September 14, 2025
Nebraska came in loud, proud, and ready to move research forward. Hosted by Nicci Peterson, this walk had big heart and bold steps!
Fundraising teams:
Team Blakely
Team Will
Santa Monica, CA
October 12, 2025
Led by Andrew Kowal in honor of his sister, Caitlin, Santa Monica created a morning full of connection and purpose. Families gathered at Clover Park for crafts, balloon animals, and meaningful steps, raising $25,000 along the way. Thanks to Andrew’s commitment to maximizing impact, event expenses were cut to under 3%, setting a powerful standard.
Fundraising team:
Team Caitlin
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San Antonio, TX
October 18, 2025
One Small Step San Antonio isn’t just part of this movement — it helped build it.
Now in its 14th year, this longest-running walk raised over $80,000 in 2025 alone, thanks to the unwavering leadership of the Viroslav family and Michelle Hernandez.
Fundraising teams:
Sergio Viroslav, Nathan Drawe, CHRISTUS Children’s Prader-Willi Team (Elizabeth Roeder), Kara Prince, Sadie Royal
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Cleveland, OH
October 25, 2025
Led by Tiffany Gibson, the community more than doubled its fundraising goal and raised over $12,000 with heart, hustle, and OSS pride.
Fundraising teams:
Team John Michael, Team Luka, Team Eliot, Hope for Henley
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One Small Kick, GA
November 1, 2025
They set a goal, and they DID IT!
$25K raised in ’25 thanks to the Matesevac family and their grass-kickin' teams!
Fundraising teams:
Team Luc, Team Kyle, Christina’s Crew, Rare Claire Bear, Team Eva, Team Evan
The People Who Made This Possible
To every volunteer who set up tables. Every donor who gave $5 or $500. Every local business that donated raffle items. Every parent who shared their child’s story. Every friend who hit “donate” and “share.”
Thank you.
A Special Thank You
A special thank-you to our national sponsor, Soleno Therapeutics, for standing beside our families and helping move research forward across every One Small Step community.
Looking Ahead to 2026
Two new locations are already lacing up for next year:
One Small Step Florida | January 10, 2026 | Hosted by Hillary Rosselli
One Small Step Baltimore, MD | May 2, 2026 | Hosted by the Liebermans
Don’t see a walk near you? We can help you bring one to your area. It starts with One Small Step!
Host a walk. Build a team. Change the future.
