Jett Foundation has announced the launch of a capital campaign to fund the construction of Jett’s Place, a premier wellness and retreat center designed as a dedicated sanctuary for individuals and families affected by Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD). The announcement, made on July 15, 2026, marks the organization’s most ambitious milestone to date. The 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. The facility was designed with input from Duchenne families to ensure it meets the unique needs of the community. The campaign sets a $10.7 million goal and has already raised over $5 million during its quiet phase.
Duchenne muscular dystrophy is a progressive neuromuscular disorder diagnosed during childhood, causing loss of motor, pulmonary, and cardiac function, and premature death. It affects approximately 1 in 5,000 live male births and some females. There is currently no cure. Children with Duchenne are born seemingly healthy but decline over time, typically losing the ability to walk around age 12 and succumbing to the disease in their early to mid-twenties.
Jett Foundation, headquartered in Norwell, Massachusetts, has worked since 2001 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 all donations are tax-deductible. More information can be found at www.jettfoundation.org.
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 emphasizes close collaboration with advocates, researchers, clinicians, and families to design potentially life-changing solutions. For more information, visit www.itftherapeutics.com.
The significance of Jett’s Place extends beyond its physical infrastructure. For the Duchenne community, which often faces accessibility challenges and a lack of specialized resources, this sanctuary offers a space where individuals of all abilities can participate in wellness activities, connect with others facing similar challenges, and access educational programs tailored to their needs. The barrier-free design ensures that as the disease progresses, individuals can continue to enjoy the facilities. The involvement of major donors like the Emilson Family and ITF Therapeutics highlights the growing recognition of the need for dedicated support systems for rare disease communities.
With over $5 million already raised, the campaign is well on its way to its $10.7 million goal. The successful completion of Jett’s Place could serve as a model for other organizations serving rare disease populations, demonstrating the impact of community-informed design and targeted philanthropy. As construction progresses, the foundation invites broader community support to bring this vision to life.
