Jett Foundation has announced its most ambitious milestone to date: the launch of a capital campaign to fund the building of Jett's Place, a premier wellness and retreat center serving as a dedicated sanctuary for individuals and families affected by Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD). The fundraising campaign was anchored in its initial phase by two transformative $1 million donations from the Emilson Family and ITF Therapeutics.
Located on a 10-acre campus in Norwell, Massachusetts, Jett's Place will serve as Jett Foundation's national headquarters and provide barrier-free accessibility, specialized wellness care, adaptive nature and recreation, and educational programs designed with input from Duchenne families. The campaign sets a $10.7 million goal and has already raised over $5 million during its quiet phase, as Jett Foundation invites broader community support to bring the project to life.
Duchenne muscular dystrophy is a progressive neuromuscular disorder diagnosed during childhood, causing loss of motor, pulmonary, and cardiac function, and premature death. It affects every 1 in 5,000 live male births and some females, with no cure currently available. Children with Duchenne are born seemingly healthy and decline over time, usually losing their ability to walk around age 12 and succumbing to the disease in their early to mid-twenties.
Since 2001, Jett Foundation, headquartered in Norwell, Mass., has worked to empower people and families impacted by Duchenne through transformative programming, educational opportunities, and ongoing support. The foundation is a registered charity with 501(c)(3) status.
ITF Therapeutics, established in January 2024 as the U.S. affiliate of Italfarmaco Group, develops and commercializes treatments for rare diseases. The company combines end-to-end commercial execution with close listening to advocates, researchers, clinicians, and families. More information is available at www.itftherapeutics.com.
The announcement underscores the urgent need for dedicated spaces that address the unique challenges faced by the Duchenne community. Jett's Place is expected to become a national model for inclusive wellness and retreat services, offering a haven where families can access specialized care and build supportive networks.
For more details on the capital campaign and how to support Jett's Place, visit www.jettfoundation.org.
