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.
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 lose their ability to walk around age 12 and succumb 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 501(c)(3) charity, and donations are tax-deductible. More information is available at www.jettfoundation.org.
ITF Therapeutics, established in 2024 as the U.S. affiliate of Italfarmaco Group, contributed one of the $1 million gifts. The company develops and commercializes treatments for rare diseases, combining commercial execution with close listening to advocates, researchers, clinicians, and families. For more information, visit www.itftherapeutics.com.
Jett’s Place is designed to be a barrier-free environment with specialized wellness care and adaptive recreation, ensuring accessibility for individuals with Duchenne. The center will also offer educational programs tailored to the community’s needs. The capital campaign aims to raise the remaining funds to complete the project, which will serve as a national hub for the Duchenne community.
The announcement marks a significant milestone in addressing the needs of families affected by Duchenne, providing a dedicated space for respite, education, and support. The involvement of major donors like the Emilson Family and ITF Therapeutics underscores the importance of collaborative efforts in rare disease communities.
