Connor’s Cause returns to raise funds for cystic fibrosis research

Socorro’s Connor Johnston has set a goal of getting 200 runners for his Connor’s Causes 5K/1-mile walk for Cystic Fibrosis on May 6 at the City Plaza.

Johnston has battled the disease since he was 10 months old, and the now 13-year-old’s race raised $4,000 last year. He was only 6 when he quizzed his mother about possibly hosting a race to raise money for cystic fibrosis. The race benefits the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, a non-profit pursuing a cure for cystic fibrosis by funding research and drug development.

The young man’s efforts were recognized by the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, with Connor’s Causes named the Volunteer Family of the Year.

Connor Johnston raised $4,000 with his 5K race last year.

It’s never been about awards for Connor as his mother, Jeanne Johnston, explains.

“When Connor was 6 years old, they used to have like the Big Toys 5k in the summertime, where you do a 5k and turn in a toy for registration,” Johnston said. “And then you get a cupcake afterward.”

Connor used the powers of persuasion afforded to most 6-year-olds to get his mom to enter him into the 5K.

“So, Connor was yelling that he wanted to do the 5k, and his older brother kind of wanted to do it, too. We signed them up, and afterward, Connor was like, that was so much fun. And he goes, I wonder if we could do something like that to raise money for CF?” Johnston said.

Connor is a true Socorro Warrior, and he hasn’t let eight hospital stays related to lung and breathing problems keep him down. He’s an active soccer player and is a fish in the water on the swim team. Not even his most recent hospital stay last week will keep Connor from taking part in the race.

Last year, 160 runners signed up to participate, and all of them got a cupcake (one of Connor’s favorite things about his first race) and a t-shirt. Prizes are available for all kids taking part. Runners can pre-register at https://runsignup.com/Race/ NM/Socorro/ConnorsCauses5k. On-site registration ($10) is from 8:15 -8:45 a.m. The race starts at 9 a.m.