Teens Ride for Those Who Can't:  10th Gear Cycles Across the USA for the Jett Foundation

Thanks to the group of teens and adults who participated in this cross-country bike ride to raise money for the Jett Foundation. This group of avid cyclists rode 3,800 miles through 14 states over nine weeks. The group consisted of members of the 10thGear Christian Youth Cyclists, affiliated with the Village Congregational Church in Whitinsville (MA) and the Boy Scouts of America. The cyclists made stops at churches and local organizations to generate awareness of DMD and the Jett Foundation.

A videographer accompanied the group to record the journey for a documentary. See the trailer for this inspiring film.

The film won an award for Best Feature Documentary at the 2009 Hollywood East Film Festival.  See the release.

To learn more, visit www.jettride.org.

The Maddie Hatter Tea Party Raises $1,500 for the Jett Foundation

Our Maddie Hatter fundraising tea party took place on a beautiful Sunday in November at Bocados Restaurant in Worcester. The event helped to raise more than $1,500 for the Jett Program at MassGeneral Hospital for Children.

Maddie O’Neil, the model for the 2008 American Girl Doll of the Year – Mia, was the featured attraction. Tea party guests had their pictures taken with Maddie by volunteer Bob Murphy and were treated to a “dolly and me” hairstyling and a delicious luncheon, thanks to Bocados owners Debra and Mike Covino.  Participants also won prizes for the most creative hat and raffle prizes that were donated by local merchants. 

The event was co-hosted by loyal friends of the Jett Foundation - Debra Mooney, Doreen O’Neil, and Fern Nissim - all of IM Source, a division of the Round Pond Group. Every event, every dollar and every day counts for our boys with Duchenne…thank you all very much.

Above: Maddie (L) with Madison Covino
Right: Maddie (L) with cousin Brooke O'Neil

DMD Families Making a Difference

We are so grateful to everyone who has given so generously, and in particular those who have recently committed to or completed a fundraiser in support of the Jett Foundation, including Cheryl Stys who is donating half of the proceeds from a Silpada party. Natalie Gaudenzi of  Beverly Massachusetts has planned a “Gold Rush” party on December 12 – a great fundraiser to get cash for your old jewelery and support Duchenne. See the evite.

Whether your gifts are large or small, they all add up to the same thing…HOPE!!  Thank you families and friends for all that you do!

Check out the photos from a recent fundraiser held by the Zack Heger Foundation.

Thanks to those who made the 6th Annual Jett Golf Classic a Success

Thank you to sponsors Thomas G. Gallagher Mechanical Contractors, InnSeason Resorts, Ocean Properties LTD, Mark Rigging, Heritage Press, New England Copy Specialist. Special thanks to the chairs of the event, Frank and Mary Rogan, Sharon Lee and Christine Frazier. And thanks to all of our golfers, volunteers, hole sponsors, and the wonderful, helpful staff at Pinehills. Proceeds from the 2008 Jett Golf Classic will help continue our fight to ensure that children suffering from this fatal disease have the opportunity to enjoy a full life.

Michael J. Cosseboom Memorial Reunion Tourney Raises Funds for Jett Foundation
Thank you to event chair Bob Skelly and those who participated in this event, which raised over $500. Dell Computer provided a matching donation.

Jett Jam -- The Boy Can Really Play!

Jett McSherry, 12, took to the drums during the Jett Jam on Saturday, May 3 at The Knights of Columbus Hall in Pembroke, MA. The event was chaired by Jett Foundation friend and Massachusetts General Hospital colleague, Cindy Kane. Kane is a registered nurse at Massachusetts General Hospital for Children (MGHfc) and works in the new Jett Program for Pediatric Neuromuscular Disorders (JPPND) with director Dr. Brian Tseng.

Kane said the inspiration for the jam was her realization that kids with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy rarely get the opportunity to showcase their talents. “They lose their physical abilities so quickly,” said Kane. “This was a chance for Jett to perform and feel accomplished.” A rockin', smooth sounding band, Citizen Kane, was the catalyst for the event. Band leader Chris Kane, Cindy's husband, had been looking for a venue to play. When he heard Jett played the drums, the Jett Jam was born!

Over 150 community members, friends and family listened and danced along to the well known songs, such as Mustang Sally and Gloria.   With a confident smile, Jett played along with the band for several of the songs.  The event was not only a chance to allow Jett to shine for a moment...really shine....but also to raise funds for the JPPND waiting room at MGHfc.  The event raised over $2,500 which will be used to equip the waiting room with kids’ toys, books and furniture.

A huge thank you to David Crest of Family Crest Catering in Hanover as well as all of the merchants who donated auction items.  Warm thanks to all of the band members of Citizen Kane and a special shout out to Chris, Cindy, and Jess Kane and Paula Vercollone.  You guys rock!!!!!!!!!!!

Jett Foundation    1-877-FLY-JETT    FAX 781-826-9523    jettfoundation@aol.com