OVER $50,000 RAISED IN THE FIGHT AGAINST DMD
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OVER $50,000 RAISED IN THE FIGHT AGAINST DMD 〰️
WHY WE RIDE
THE FIGHT AGAINST DUCHENNE MUSCULAR DYSTROPHY
The Kasners and Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy
The Kasner family is made up of four energetic boys—AJ, Ben, Caleb, and Dunky (ABCD)—and their parents, Sarah and Dan. They live in South Minneapolis, where they love their neighborhood and take full advantage of Minnesota summers—walking, running, biking, and spending as much time outside as possible.
AJ and Ben are now college-aged and living their best lives. Caleb and Dunky are 12 and 10, and they’re living a life none of us ever imagined.
Nearly eight years ago, Caleb and Dunky were diagnosed with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD)—a rare, progressive neuromuscular disease that primarily affects boys. Duchenne is caused by the absence of dystrophin, a critical protein that helps protect muscles. In a typical body, muscles repeatedly break down and rebuild. With Duchenne, muscle damage continues—but the body can’t rebuild the way it’s supposed to. Over time, this leads to increasing muscle weakness and loss of mobility.
Many kids with Duchenne begin using wheelchairs in late childhood, and the disease eventually affects the heart and lungs. While there is still no cure, researchers are making meaningful progress—and that progress is exactly what KKD GRAVEL is here to support.
Duchenne also brings daily challenges beyond the physical ones. Caleb and Dunky take steroids as part of standard care, which can help slow progression but can also intensify behavioral and emotional struggles. It’s a lot for any child—and any family—to carry.
Kasners Kick Duchenne
Kasners Kick Duchenne (KKD) was created to advocate for Caleb and Dunky and for all families battling Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy. Funds raised through KKD support the Kasner family, raise awareness of this life-threatening disease, and help fund frontline Duchenne research—so Caleb and Dunky (and others living with Duchenne) can have the longest, fullest lives possible.
Funds Raised Through KKD GRAVEL (Because of You)
For KKD GRAVEL, Kasners Kick Duchenne is proud to partner with the Flanigan Lab at Nationwide Children’s Hospital. The Flanigan Lab uses these funds to support frontline Duchenne research—working toward better treatments and, ultimately, a cure.
Where your money goes
100% of funds raised through KKD GRAVEL go directly to the Flanigan Lab at Nationwide Children’s Hospital.
Event expenses are covered by our generous sponsors and volunteers—thank you!
How registration donations are handled
Each rider’s registration donation goes directly to Nationwide. Once registration closes, BikeReg issues a check directly to the Flanigan Lab for the funds raised through registration.
Can’t ride? You can still support the cause
You can register as a “Friend of KKD GRAVEL” to show your support even if you aren’t riding. Proceeds raised through additional event fundraising—such as raffles and merchandise sales—also go to the fight against Duchenne.
Tax-deductible donations
All registration donations are tax deductible. After registering, you will receive an email with the required tax information from the Flanigan Lab at Nationwide Children’s Hospital.
Learn more about the Flanigan Lab:
Click here for the Flanigan Lab at Nationwide Children’s Hospital website.
KKD GRAVEL and the Kasner family are deeply grateful for your support of Caleb, Dunky, and the fight against Duchenne.
