Kevin Daoust Raises $4,155 for DeafBlind Ontario Foundation at Tamarack Ottawa Race Weekend

On May 23rd, 2026, Kevin Daoust laced up his running shoes for the Tamarack Ottawa Race Weekend with a powerful mission in mind: supporting his brother, Steve.

Kevin successfully completed the half marathon, crossing the finish line 3,999th out of 12,002 racers! Through his dedication, Kevin raised $4,155 for the DeafBlind Ontario Foundation (DBOF) to directly benefit individuals like Steve, who currently resides in one of DeafBlind Ontario Services supported living homes in the Ottawa area.

DeafBlind Ontario Foundation raises, invests and directs funds to DeafBlind Ontario Services (DBOS) to enhance programs which support the individuals they serve. DeafBlind Ontario Services supports people who are deafblind, as well as those living with a developmental disability who are Deaf, hard of hearing or use non-traditional forms of communication. Kevin is on the DBOS board, because he believes in what we do and that running “moving forward” is the best we can do.

Steve’s Journey

For Kevin, the motivation to fundraise for DBOF in the Tamarack Ottawa Race Weekend came from watching his brother navigate a world without sound or sight.

“Without communication skills, my brother Steve often screamed as a child, a form of expression,” Kevin shares. “He could not hear the sound or volume of his frequent screams. Steve is deafblind.”

Steve’s parents discovered early on that he faced severe sensory challenges. Before he was a year old, they learned he had vision loss due to Retinopathy of Prematurity, alongside hearing loss. By the age of two, Steve was diagnosed as profoundly deaf.

Today, Steve is completely blind in his right eye, which requires a prosthetic, and has between 10% to 20% vision in his left eye. Because a hearing aid would still leave many sounds lost to him, Steve chose not to use one.

Growing up presented unique hurdles. “As a child, it was very difficult for Steve to learn sign language. He had a hard time sitting still as well as sleeping.” However, as he grew older, he began mastering Langue des signes Québécoise (LSQ).

A Transforming Life at DeafBlind Ontario Services

In the spring of 2020, Steve moved into a DeafBlind Ontario Services supported living home. Since then, his world has opened up tremendously. With the dedicated, consistent support of his intervenors, Steve has begun initiating conversations and expanded his knowledge of LSQ.

“What DBOF does is integral to empowering the people they support to live full and active lives,” says Kevin. “Your support will truly transform lives and lead to endless possibilities for people like Steve.”

Congratulations, Kevin!

The entire team at DeafBlind Ontario Foundation extends a massive thank you and congratulations to Kevin! Your commitment to raise vital funds that will empower Steve and others is extremely impressive.

Thank you, Kevin, for being an inspiration and making a lasting difference!

To support more individuals like Steve, make a donation to the DeafBlind Ontario Foundation today.