Click here to register.  While onsite registration will be available, we highly encourage all participants to register in advance of walk day.

We know that not everyone who wants to support the Hope Journey will be able to attend in person. Our Virtual Participation option is a great way for those people to still contribute to our mission from wherever they are in the world. When you register, simply choose the virtual option and join the movement from anywhere!

Registration fees are $30 for in-person attendance in Washington, D.C. Virtual registration is $25.

If you’re joining the Hope Journey Walk virtually, your registration fee includes a printable bib that will be emailed to you, your very own fundraising page, and raises hope for millions impacted by autoimmune disease.

If you’re joining the Hope Journey Walk in-person in Washington, D.C, your registration fee includes a printed bib, Hope Journey Walk T-shirt, and Autoimmune Association tote bag that will be given to you at check-in. For this reason, only a portion of your registration cost will be considered tax-deductible. Please reference your registration confirmation email for details.

Children of all ages are welcome! There is no registration fee for children ages 12 and under; however, they must be accounted for in an adult registration. When you register, please indicate how many children ages 12 and under will be joining you. Note: If the child would like an event T-shirt, they must have a purchased registration.

To start a team: Register to join us for the Hope Journey Walk either in-person or virtually. When asked, “How would you like to register?” select “Create a Team.” Follow the steps to set up and personalize your team page. Then, invite your network to join your team!

To join an existing team: Register to join us for the Hope Journey Walk either in-person or virtually. When asked, “How would you like to register?” select “Join a Team.” Then, simply search for the team’s name to join!

If you register as an individual but would like to start or join a fundraising team, please log in to your individual fundraising page. Once you’re logged in, click the ‘Overview’ tab at the bottom of the page. Once you’re on the ‘Overview’ tab, scroll towards the bottom of the page. You will see your individual fundraising page listed, and next to it a tab for ‘Team Fundraising’. Select the ‘Team Fundraising’ tab and you will be given the option to join or create a team. If you’re joining a team, please select ‘Join or Create a Team’ and you will be given the option to search for the team’s name to join.

The Virtual Walk registration ticket is 100% tax deductible to the extent provided by law. Only a portion of In-Person Walk registration tickets will be considered tax-deductible. Please reference your registration confirmation email for details.

While fundraising is not required to participate, we highly encourage all participants to fundraise to further the mission of the Autoimmune Association. Every dollar raised helps fund necessary programs that provide support, resources, advocacy, and research for the over 100 autoimmune diseases that affect so many. We can’t continue this important work without you!

Because your registration fee helps make the event possible, it doesn’t count toward your fundraising total.

Yes! Individuals who reach specific fundraising levels will earn the following incentives:

• $100–$499 raised: Hope Journey-branded shoelaces
• $500–$999 raised: Shoelaces + Hope Journey water bottle
• $1,000+ raised: Shoelaces + water bottle + Hope Journey hat

Individuals who make a gift through your fundraising page will receive a donation receipt. The Autoimmune Association is a 501(c)(3) non-profit corporation and donations may be tax-deductible to the extent provided by the law.

The Hope Journey Walk will take place on Sunday, October 12, 2025, at The Wharf in Washington, D.C. Participants will also be walking virtually from all around the country (and beyond)!

Check in for the event will begin at 8:30 am. The Opening Ceremony will begin at 9:30 am, with the walk kicking off shortly after.

There are several nearby parking options:

• Wharf Garage 1 (entrance on Blair Alley SW)
• Wharf Garage 2 (entrance on Sutton Square SW)
• L’Enfant Plaza Parking Garage (950 L’Enfant Plaza SW)

Coming by Metro?
Take the Green Line or Yellow Line to Waterfront Station, then it’s about an 8-minute walk to The Wharf. You can also take the Blue, Orange, or Silver Lines to L’Enfant Plaza Station, about a 12-minute walk.

Taking a rideshare or Uber/Lyft?
Enter 670 Maine Ave SW as your destination.

Consider dressing in layers as October mornings in D.C. can be cool. Wear comfortable walking shoes and consider wearing a hat or sunglasses. Otherwise, we encourage you to bring minimal items, although there will be a bag check area where you can securely leave your belongings.

The Hope Journey Walk will go on, rain or shine! If weather conditions are unsafe for the walk, we will still gather for our Opening Ceremony that will take place indoors.

Yes! Please read descriptions of our volunteer roles and sign up here.

The Hope Journey Walk would not be possible without our generous sponsors and partners. Please email us at sponsorships@autoimmune.org.