Make-A-Wish grants Gretna boy therapeutic gift to help manage rare form of muscular dystrophy

Connor Doeden, 8, receives a hot tub to help relax his muscles as he battles Duchenne muscular dystrophy.

Apr. 3, 2026 at 3:35am

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An extreme close-up of translucent, ghostly muscle structures revealed through X-ray photography, conceptually illustrating the fragility and deterioration faced by those living with Duchenne muscular dystrophy.An X-ray view of a young boy's muscles, highlighting the devastating effects of Duchenne muscular dystrophy, a rare and progressive genetic disorder.Gretna Today

As a Gretna family navigates life with their young son's devastating diagnosis of Duchenne muscular dystrophy, Make-A-Wish Nebraska granted Connor Doeden's wish for a therapeutic hot tub to help relax his muscles and provide comfort as he battles the rare and progressive condition.

Why it matters

Duchenne muscular dystrophy is a devastating genetic disorder that causes muscles to break down over time, leading to heart and breathing issues and a shortened life expectancy. With no Duchenne care clinic in Nebraska, the Doeden family must travel to Kansas City every six months for Connor's treatments, making the hot tub a crucial therapeutic gift to help manage his condition at home.

The details

Connor Doeden, an 8-year-old boy from Gretna, Nebraska, was diagnosed with Duchenne muscular dystrophy at a young age. The condition causes muscles to deteriorate over time, leading to serious health complications. To help Connor manage his symptoms, Make-A-Wish Nebraska granted his wish for a hot tub, which provides therapeutic benefits through the warm water and jets to relax his constantly breaking-down muscles.

  • Connor started showing signs of the condition when he was just 2 years old.
  • The Doeden family travels to Kansas City every six months for Connor's full day of check-ups and treatments.

The players

Connor Doeden

An 8-year-old boy from Gretna, Nebraska, who was diagnosed with the rare and progressive Duchenne muscular dystrophy at a young age.

Jessica Doeden

Connor's mother, who has navigated her son's devastating diagnosis and the family's frequent trips to Kansas City for his treatments.

Dillon Doeden

Connor's father, who has refused to accept the doctor's initial prognosis and is fighting to find a cure for his son's condition.

Make-A-Wish Nebraska

The local chapter of the national non-profit organization that granted Connor's wish for a therapeutic hot tub to help manage his Duchenne muscular dystrophy.

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What they’re saying

“The warm water and the jets and current, like with a lot of people, help to relax his muscles. And because his muscles are in a constant state of breakdown, it's really beneficial for him – that lightweight movement while being in the water is really therapeutic for him.”

— Dillon Doeden, Connor's father

“If we let Connor, Connor would be out in that hot every single day. He loves the hot tub.”

— Jessica Doeden, Connor's mother

What’s next

The Doeden family continues to fight to find a cure for Duchenne muscular dystrophy, having created a foundation called Connor's Fight to raise funds alongside another charity, Jar of Hope. The family will also continue their regular trips to Kansas City for Connor's treatments and check-ups.

The takeaway

This story highlights the devastating impact of Duchenne muscular dystrophy, a rare and progressive genetic disorder, and the crucial role that organizations like Make-A-Wish can play in providing therapeutic support and comfort to families navigating such a difficult diagnosis. The Doeden family's unwavering determination to find a cure for their son's condition is an inspiring example of the power of hope and perseverance in the face of adversity.