Jett Foundation 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.
Since 2001, Jett Foundation has worked to empower people and families impacted by Duchenne muscular dystrophy through transformative programming, educational opportunities, and ongoing support. Jett's Place represents a significant expansion of these efforts, offering a dedicated space where the Duchenne community can access specialized resources and connect with others facing similar challenges.
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 typically lose their ability to walk around age 12 and succumb to the disease in their early to mid-twenties.
The Emilson Family and ITF Therapeutics have provided critical early support for the project. ITF Therapeutics, established in January 2024 as the U.S. affiliate of Italfarmaco Group, focuses on developing and commercializing treatments for rare diseases. The company combines end-to-end commercial execution with close listening to learn directly from advocates, researchers, clinicians, and families. For more information, visit ITF Therapeutics.
The capital campaign for Jett's Place marks a pivotal moment for the Duchenne community, promising a dedicated sanctuary that addresses both medical and emotional needs. With over half the funding secured, Jett Foundation is now reaching out to the broader community to help reach the $10.7 million goal and make Jett's Place a reality.
