Episode 7

full
Published on:

19th Jun 2026

Peyton's Project: One Family's Fight for a Cure with Bonnie Marquez

Episode Summary

When Bonnie Marquez's son Peyton was diagnosed with Duchenne muscular dystrophy at age six, her family received devastating news: there was no cure, limited treatment options, and an uncertain future. Rather than allowing the diagnosis to define their lives, Bonnie and her husband made a decision that would shape everything that followed—they would focus on making memories, creating hope, and helping others.

In this heartfelt conversation, Bonnie shares Peyton's remarkable journey, from his diagnosis and participation in groundbreaking clinical trials to the creation of Peyton's Project, a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting families affected by Duchenne muscular dystrophy and advancing research toward a cure.

You'll hear stories of courage, including Peyton's determination to climb Half Dome in Yosemite, his father's marathon journey pushing Peyton across finish lines around the world, and the family's decision to pursue a groundbreaking gene therapy treatment despite significant risks.

Most importantly, you'll meet a young man whose optimism, resilience, and unwavering spirit continue to inspire everyone around him.

This episode is a powerful reminder that while we can't always choose our circumstances, we can choose how we respond to them.

In This Episode

  • What Duchenne muscular dystrophy is and how Peyton was diagnosed
  • The emotional impact of receiving a life-changing diagnosis
  • Participating in groundbreaking clinical trials and gene therapy
  • How Peyton's Project was created to help other families
  • The incredible story of climbing Half Dome together
  • Running marathons and creating memories that matter
  • The importance of community support during difficult seasons
  • Why hope remains at the center of this family's journey

Memorable Quote

"We decided early on that we were going to make memories now."

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About the Podcast

DunnWise Perspectives
A podcast about resilience, mindset, and the stories that shape who we become. Hosted by Doris Dunn, DunnWise Perspectives shares real conversations with people who have faced challenges, found their turning point, and discovered a way forward.

About your host

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Doris Dunn

Doris Dunn is a business coach, speaker, and founder of DunnWise Consulting. With more than 30 years of experience in the insurance industry, she has built a career focused on learning and development, employee engagement, and helping individuals and teams reach their full potential.

Through her work, Doris helps business owners and leaders turn their ideas into clear strategies, guiding them from vision to action with a focus on mindset, accountability, and long-term success.

Doris is passionate about the role mindset plays in both personal and professional growth. Her own journey—marked by loss, resilience, and difficult life decisions—has shaped her perspective and deepened her commitment to helping others navigate challenges and move forward with confidence.

She is the host of DunnWise Perspectives, a podcast dedicated to sharing real stories of resilience, shifting mindsets, and the moments that shape who we become.