Bryan Boys for Hope: The Zippy Mile
Running with Purpose
The Zippy Mile is more than just a race—it's a stride toward hope. This annual event supports Bryan Boys for Hope, a mission founded by the Bryan family of Tea, South Dakota, to raise awareness and critical funding for Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD), a rare and progressive muscle-wasting disease affecting their sons, Sawyer and Wesley.
The Bryan family has partnered with Cure Rare Disease (CRD), a Boston-based nonprofit pioneering custom, individualized gene therapies for patients battling rare genetic disorders. In this fight against time, their efforts are laser-focused on supporting a breakthrough treatment currently in development—one designed specifically for their boys.
What Is Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy?
DMD is the most common fatal genetic disorder diagnosed in childhood, occurring in approximately 1 in every 3,500 male births. It is caused by mutations in the dystrophin gene—the largest known human gene—which is essential for maintaining muscle function and integrity. Even the smallest genetic error can prevent the body from producing dystrophin, leading to ongoing and irreversible muscle loss.
DMD typically progresses in stages, often leading to a loss of mobility during adolescence and life-threatening complications in early adulthood. There is currently no cure, but promising research is underway—bringing renewed hope to families like the Bryans.
The Journey Toward a Cure
Each day, the Bryans manage a complex routine of steroid treatments, physical therapy, nutrition plans, leg splints, and more—all rooted in a foundation of love and resilience. Through the support of Cure Rare Disease, the family has taken significant steps toward a personalized therapeutic approach, including muscle biopsies and prototype development with leading research hospitals in North America.
Why We Run
The Zippy Mile is our way of moving hope forward. Every dollar raised supports CRD’s efforts to develop life-changing therapeutics for Sawyer, Wesley, and others impacted by DMD. By joining us, you're not just running a mile—you’re making a meaningful impact in the lives of families fighting a rare disease.
