About Greg Marzolf Jr.
Throughout his 20 years, Greg was a vibrant, positive force in his schools and community. Diagnosed with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy as a child, he became a passionate advocate for the Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA), inspiring others through his story and fundraising efforts.
In 1989, Greg began his journey as the MDA Twin Cities Poster Child, later becoming the Minnesota Poster Child in 1991. His energy and optimism were contagious, even from a young age.
At Cretin-Derham Hall High School, Greg excelled academically and in leadership—serving as student council vice president, a JROTC Diamond Officer, and president of the flight club. He also tutored local elementary students. At the University of St. Thomas, Greg pursued an English degree and served as a SOAR Leader, continuing to uplift others.
Greg passed away in 2000 due to his illness, but his legacy of hope and service lives on through the Foundation’s work.
Greg’s Credo
Greg’s Credo
I believe that God is the mother and father of all living things.
I do not believe that God is vengeful or wrathful.
I believe that God gave us a mind so that we could make our own decisions.
I do not believe that God gave us a fate that is set in stone.
I believe that being a good Christian means living as Christ lived.
I do not believe that being a good Christian means you receive communion once a week.
I believe that the Bible is a book of faith and can teach us many valuable things.
I do not believe that the Bible is an accurate history book.
I believe that having faith means believing in something you cannot touch.
I do not believe that faith is futile.
I believe that life is a journey.
I do not believe that life should be effortless.
I believe that my faith helps me affirm my belief in an afterlife.
I do not believe that death is the end of my journey.
I believe that when we die we live on in the memory of others.
I do not believe that we sleep eternally.
I believe that money and material goods show how successful we are.
I do not believe that it is right.
I believe that I should be treated as a human being despite my disability.
I do not believe that I should be treated as a “special” person.
I believe that everyone should be given equal rights.
I do not believe that one group of people should have superiority over another.
I believe that people of privilege are responsible for helping those in need.
I do not believe in giving handouts to those who can earn their own living.
I believe that the ultimate goal in life should be to enlighten yourself.
I do not believe that the ultimate goal is to become wealthy in money.
– Gregory Marzolf, Jr. (1998)
A Sister Remembers
A Sister Remembers An Exceptional Brother
By Jennifer Marzolf
All my life, I was told that my brother Greg was someone exceptional. I was told he was braver and had a stronger will than most people. And he most certainly did. Yet, to me he was my older brother, my best friend, my bully and my confidant. While those who didn’t know him saw him as the boy in the wheelchair rising above adversity, I saw him as normal.
I used to call him my human dictionary when I did my homework because he could spell every word for me, no problem, in one attempt. And I used to have squirt gun fights with him in the backyard, eventually leading to his electric wheelchair falling in the pool. To me, he was the older brother who did what he was supposed to do to a little sister: joke, bully, laugh, teach, and encourage. I firmly believe that this is the way Greg would wish to be viewed, as a person beyond his wheelchair. Because of these traits, to all who knew him, he was truly exceptional. To me Greg was normal because his wheelchair did not define him and often went unnoticed yet at the same time; everyone around Greg quickly realized that because he was so normal yet lived such a difficult and deeply challenging life, he was extraordinary.
My elder brother Greg Marzolf, Jr. was an advocate for justice. He wished to change the world, not because he was the boy in the wheelchair but because he was an individual who looked beyond his personal sphere. Greg’s desire to educate others on disabilities, prejudice and inequality was driven by the reality that he was not the only one in his position. Greg was ready to get involved and work to raise money to find a cure to muscular diseases.
Because of Greg’s bright smile, witty sense of humor and positive attitude towards life, others were and continually are inspired to raise money to find a cure to Muscular Dystrophy (MD) diseases. With charisma and optimism, Greg encouraged others to join him in the fight against MD. Because of the inspiring life he led, his mission to find a cure continues on.
Friends and family of Greg began raising funds to research a cure years ago. From garage sales to selling cook books, the community joined in Greg’s cause. Today, eight years after Greg’s death, his mission and cause continues. Through the Greg Marzolf, Jr. Foundation, undergraduate and graduate students at the University of Minnesota in Minneapolis are working to find a cure to Duchene Muscular Dystrophy, thanks to the scholarships they receive in Greg’s name. Due to the funds the Greg Marzolf Jr Foundation raises through the annual ‘Cause to Cook for a Cure’ events as well as other fundraising opportunities, the mission of Greg is closer to coming true.
Through your previous donations and continued donations, the Greg Marzolf Jr. Foundation has achieved great accomplishments. The Foundation continues to work in Greg’s name and for his cause, not because he was the boy in the wheelchair but because, as many know, he was a truly exceptional person.
The Lasting Legacy of Greg Marzolf Jr.
“They couldn’t have picked a better name. Greg is the perfect banner man for the University of Minnesota Muscular Dystrophy Center. His moral fiber was above reproach, and his actions embodied the characteristics needed to solve the toughest problems.”
– Brian Whinnery
In 2024 the University of Minnesota Muscular Dystrophy Center was named the Greg Marzolf Jr. Muscular Dystrophy Center. The renaming of the Center honors Greg Marzolf Jr. who showed both courage and humor when living with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy and cements his legacy. We celebrate his life through the work of the Foundation and, now, through the work of a renowned research center in his name. Remarkable.
“Gregory was the kind of person who had an ability to draw others in and to share his positive outlook.” – Chip Michel
“Although we didn’t have the opportunity to meet Greg Jr., the friends and family that were blessed to be in his life keep his spirit alive through their shared stories. His friendships were many and their love ran deep. In 2023, I had the pleasure of meeting Greg’s Jr.’s former high school classmate, Robby and his son, as they delivered meals for the GMJF fundraiser. It was touching to see a close friend that cares so deeply about the cause and the family, even 23 years after Greg Jr.’s passing. The love people have for him is truly remarkable!” – Catina Koenig
“Gregory could give and take a good ribbing! He was very smart and had such a bright future.” – James Moeller
“They couldn’t have picked a better name. Greg is the perfect banner man for the University of Minnesota Muscular Dystrophy Center. His moral fiber was above reproach, and his actions embodied the characteristics needed to solve the toughest problems.” – Brian Whinnery
With a stronger partnership than ever, the Greg Marzolf Jr. Foundation and now, the Greg Marzolf Jr. Muscular Dystrophy Center at the University of Minnesota, will continue to strive for a cure to Muscular Dystrophy and ensure Greg’s legacy lives on.