Every mile we run this year is about more than distance. It is about raising awareness for Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy, supporting families, and funding research that can change the future for children like Connor.
Connor’s Fight was created with one clear mission: to ensure that no family faces Duchenne alone.
When Connor was diagnosed at age two with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD), his father chose action over despair. What began as a personal response to devastating news quickly became a movement dedicated to awareness, community support, and research funding.
What Is Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy
Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy is a rare and progressive genetic disorder that primarily affects young boys. It causes muscles to weaken over time, slowly robbing children of mobility, independence, and ultimately their lives.
There is currently no cure for Duchenne.
Because DMD progresses rapidly, time matters. Research funding, clinical trials, and community awareness are critical in accelerating treatments and bringing hope to families navigating this diagnosis.
Connor’s Fight exists to help drive that progress forward.
Turning Pain Into Purpose
One of the most powerful examples of this mission in action is Dillon Doeden’s fundraising journey.
Shortly after Connor’s diagnosis, Dillon partnered with the nonprofit JAR of Hope to raise awareness and funding for Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy research. He was not a lifelong runner. He was not a seasoned endurance athlete.
He was a father determined to fight back.
Since then, Dillon has taken on extraordinary endurance challenges, including ultra marathons like the Grand 2 Grand Ultra and joining a team that climbed to Mount Everest Base Camp to raise funds for clinical trials.
His journey proves something profound. When the cause is bigger than the runner, every mile carries meaning.
The Mingus Traverse Ultra Marathon
The Mingus Traverse is a rugged approximately 80 mile ultra run through Arizona’s dramatic landscape, stretching from Prescott to Sedona. It winds through the Mingus Mountain range and challenges runners with steep climbs, technical descents, and significant elevation gain.
The Physical Challenge
Runners face extreme temperature swings, from desert heat to cool mountain air. The terrain is remote and demanding. It tests physical endurance, mental resilience, and unwavering commitment.
Running for a Greater Purpose
We are running the Mingus Traverse to raise awareness and funding for Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy research.
Why We Run
We run because families deserve hope.
We run because research requires funding.
We run because too many boys face a future defined by disease progression, and too many families feel overwhelmed and alone.
Through the Connor’s Fight 1000 Mile Month initiative, our team is committed to logging over one thousand miles in May to shine a light on Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy. Events like the Mingus Traverse are more than athletic achievements. They are platforms for advocacy.
Every training run.
Every social media post.
Every donation shared.
Every step on race day.
Each one pushes awareness further and strengthens the fight for a cure.
How You Can Help Fight Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy
You can join the fight in several meaningful ways:
• Donate to support Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy research and clinical trials
• Share this story to help spread DMD awareness
• Participate in the Connor’s Fight 1000 Mile Month
• Follow and support our runners during the Mingus Traverse Ultra Marathon
Together, we can fund research, build community, and bring hope to families affected by Duchenne.
Until there is a cure, we will keep running.