Over the weekend of September 6-7, 2025, Jett Foundation’s community came together both in-person and virtually for an unforgettable World Duchenne Awareness Day (WDAD) weekend of connection, learning, and awareness.
A Day of Connection in Quincy, MA
On Saturday, September 6, Jett Foundation proudly welcomed nearly 200 attendees, including more than 100 families impacted by Duchenne muscular dystrophy, to our in-person World Duchenne Awareness Day Luncheon in Quincy, MA.
The day’s program was filled with community, conversation, and inspiration. Families gathered for meaningful discussions, shared their journeys, and connected with resources that help navigate the daily challenges of Duchenne. Take a look at photos from our day here!
A highlight of the luncheon was hearing from our two keynote speakers, Dr. Kevin Counterman and Matthew Stelmach, whose messages of resilience and advocacy resonated deeply with all in attendance.
Kevin Counterman, DO, is a neurology resident at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center in Bethesda, Maryland. Originally from Canton, Massachusetts, Kevin’s older brother, Michael, had Duchenne muscular dystrophy, and Michael’s involvement with Jett Foundation has shaped Dr. Counterman’s clinical and personal interests. During his keynote presentation, Dr. Counterman presented his recently published book, Breakfall, centered on his brother’s experiences with Duchenne. All sales of Breakfall are being donated to Jett Foundation to support even more families.
Matthew Stelmach lives with Duchenne and is a dedicated business professional and proud graduate of Worcester State University with a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration. Beyond many professional achievements, Matt’s world revolves around what truly matters: his family, his friends, and the music that inspires him daily. Whether connecting with loved ones or finding energy in a great song, he values the people and passions that make his life filled with meaning and love.
You can listen to this year’s keynote speakers by clicking here.
Honoring Families Virtually on World Duchenne Awareness Day
On Sunday, September 7 – World Duchenne Awareness Day itself – our awareness efforts continued virtually, reaching families across the nation. Jett Foundation’s President & CEO, Eric Snyder, opened the day with a heartfelt welcome video, followed by inspiring video messages from our keynote speakers.
The global theme of this year’s WDAD was “Family: The Heart of Care.” To honor this, we shared a powerful video featuring families from our community who opened their hearts to speak about the impact Duchenne has on their lives, the strength found in loved ones, and the importance of raising awareness together.
Not to miss: Jett Foundation enlisted our Gals for Cal triathlon team, who endured the pouring rain in Hopkinton, MA on World Duchenne Awareness Day, to help raise awareness and vital funds for those impacted by Duchenne muscular dystrophy. Forty-five empowering women took on the course with smiles and cheerful spirits, adding an incredible touch to our 2025 WDAD.
Awareness Spanning 39 States
In addition to events, Jett Foundation delivered over 300 Awareness Boxes to families and community members nationwide. These special boxes, filled with WDAD t-shirts, awareness tools, and Stronger Than Duchenne spirit items, empowered families to spread awareness right in their own communities. With 39 states reached, the impact of WDAD weekend stretched far and wide.
Moving Forward, Together
World Duchenne Awareness Day is a reminder of the strength, courage, and resilience within our community, as well as the power we have when we stand together. Whether in Quincy, virtually, or in hometowns across the country, our community showed the world what it means to be Stronger Than Duchenne.
Our generous and passionate sponsors are owed a huge THANK YOU for their support of this year’s WDAD efforts. Without them, our reach and impact would not be possible.
