When Jim Raffone founded the JAR of Hope in 2013 after his 4-year-old son was diagnosed with Duchenne muscular dystrophy, the New Jersey man's first move was to climb Mount Everest.
"We can't really hold traditional fund-raising events because of COVID," he tells the Asbury Park Press.
"So we have to come up with new ways to let people know these kids will die unless we find a cure."
One of those ways was to climb Everest, and in May, the 51-year-old did just that.
Now, another way: CKO Freehold will hold its "Kickboxing Marathon" on Dec.
3, with 26 three-minute rounds and a minute between each, to raise money for Duchenne research.
More than 35 people have already signed up, each pledging to raise at least $100.
Raffone's son, James, is 13 and has lost the ability to walk.
"It's a challenge raising funds to cure a disease that most people have never heard of," Raffone says.
"But to us, that's all the more reason to keep trying."
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