Jett Foundation Launches Capital Campaign for Duchenne Sanctuary

Jett Foundation, a nonprofit dedicated to supporting families affected by Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD), has announced an ambitious capital campaign to build Jett’s Place, a first-of-its-kind wellness and retreat center in Norwell, Massachusetts. The campaign has already secured two transformative $1 million donations from the Emilson Family and ITF Therapeutics, anchoring its initial phase. The $10.7 million project aims to create a sanctuary for individuals and families navigating DMD, offering barrier-free accessibility, specialized wellness care, adaptive recreation, and educational programs. Jett’s Place will also serve as the foundation’s national headquarters, situated on a 10-acre campus. During the quiet phase, the campaign has raised over $5 million, with a call for broader community support to reach the goal. The announcement highlights the growing need for dedicated spaces for rare disease communities, as Duchenne remains incurable and affects 1 in 5,000 live male births, leading to progressive loss of motor and cardiac function and premature death.

Jett Foundation, founded in 2001, has long provided transformative programming and support for the DMD community. The new center was designed with input from Duchenne families to ensure it meets their unique needs. ITF Therapeutics, the U.S. affiliate of Italfarmaco Group established in 2024, focuses on rare disease treatments and has partnered with Jett Foundation to bring this vision to life. The capital campaign represents a significant step toward creating a permanent, accessible haven where families can find respite, education, and community. For more details, including images and bios, click here to view the full announcement. The foundation’s work underscores the importance of holistic care beyond medical treatments, addressing the emotional and practical challenges of living with a rare disease.

The campaign’s success so far reflects strong community and corporate support, with the Emilson Family and ITF Therapeutics leading the way. Jett’s Place is poised to become a model for other rare disease organizations seeking to create similar sanctuaries. As DMD progresses relentlessly, such initiatives offer families a chance to build resilience and connect with others facing similar journeys. The Jett Foundation continues to invite donations and involvement to make this vision a reality, emphasizing that every contribution helps build a legacy of hope and support for those affected by Duchenne.