Jett Foundation Launches $10.7 Million Campaign to Build Duchenne-Focused Retreat

Rare Daily Staff

Jett Foundation has launched a $10.7 million capital campaign to build Jett’s Place, a first-of-its-kind wellness and retreat center designed specifically for individuals and families affected by Duchenne muscular dystrophy.

The organization said it has already surpassed the halfway mark during its quiet phase, raising more than $5 million, supported by two lead gifts of $1 million each from the Emilson family and ITF Therapeutics.

Duchenne muscular dystrophy is a rare genetic disorder characterized by progressive muscle degeneration, primarily affecting boys and leading to increasing disability over time. While therapeutic advances have improved outcomes, patients and families continue to face significant physical, emotional, and logistical challenges.

Jett’s Place is planned for a 10-acre site in Norwell, Massachusetts, and will serve as both the nonprofit’s national headquarters and a fully accessible retreat campus tailored to the complex physical and social needs of the Duchenne community. The project represents a significant expansion of the foundation’s mission, which since 2001 has focused on education, support, and programming for those living with the rare, progressive neuromuscular disease.

The facility is being designed with direct input from Duchenne patients and families, with an emphasis on eliminating barriers to access. Plans include zero-barrier infrastructure, adaptive outdoor recreation areas, and specialized wellness spaces that support both medical needs and family respite.

In addition to recreation and wellness offerings, Jett’s Place will host educational programming aimed at fostering independence and skill development, including workshops in areas such as coding, 3D printing, communications, and life skills.

With early funding secured, Jett Foundation is preparing to expand fundraising efforts to the broader public, including businesses, donors, and community partners. The organization said Jett’s Place is intended to serve as a long-term hub where individuals with Duchenne can access resources, build relationships, and experience greater independence in a supportive environment.

Photo: Jett’s Place Master Plan