This past Sunday, on September 13, Team Jett participated in Gals for Cal, a Max Performance Title 9 triathlon in Hopkinton, Massachusetts, consisting of a ¼-mile swim, 10-mile bike ride, and 3.1-mile run. Despite the rainy weather, more than 40 women donned our signature Gals for Cal lime green tanks, racing with heart and crossing the finish line to raise vital funds and awareness for individuals and families affected by Duchenne muscular dystrophy.
The Gals for Cal team was created by Cindy Quitzau, whose son, Cal, was diagnosed with Duchenne in 2009. Following Cal’s diagnosis, Cindy was determined to challenge herself while challenging Duchenne and supporting Jett Foundation’s mission. Since then, the race has become an annual tradition, bringing together athletes who are passionate about supporting the Duchenne community.
Seeing the team return year after year has meant a lot to Cindy, especially as her family continues to navigate life with Duchenne.
“I couldn’t be prouder of the Gals! While the past nearly 2 years have been very scary and challenging for Cal and our family, it’s very healing to see that the Gals for Cal continue to go on!” Cindy says. “After establishing ourselves back in 2009, and 17 years later, we never dreamed Gals for Cal would still be attracting so many fierce women to challenge themselves for a little known muscle disease at the time. Thank you to ALL the Gals, past, present and future for putting Duchenne on the map! And for ALL the donors and sponsors past and present! Their funding and support is vital to raising up our families and friends with Duchenne as they grow from youngsters to adult men. Cal will be 25 in November! Thanks to Annie for holding the promise I asked of her when my team and I had to step down and thanks to you for having the Gals back to stay the course!”
This year, the Gals for Cal team carried even more love in their stride, doubling as Gals for Eytani, Gals for David, Gals for Liam, and Gals for Ethan. In a powerful show of unity, four mothers and four sisters joined the team to cross the finish line in their honor. Several companies also had athletes compete as part of Team Jett, including Solid Biosciences, Dyne Therapeutics, ITF Therapeutics, and Avidity. The team had two podium finishes, with two athletes placing among the top three overall finishers.
Lily Desgroseiliers, a second-year Gals for Cal participant and planning committee member, shared why she continues to participate and what the team means to her.
“Being part of Gals for Cal and fundraising for Jett Foundation allows me to honor my friend Austin, who passed away from Duchenne muscular dystrophy,” Lily says. “Austin dedicated his life to advancing DMD research, and I race to continue his fight. Through the challenge of a triathlon, I hope to inspire others to believe in what’s possible when we come together, determined with a common goal.”
For Melissa Kendall, another Gals for Cal athlete, the triathlon has offered a way to move forward emotionally after her son Ethan’s Duchenne diagnosis.
“When Ethan was diagnosed with Duchenne, it was one of the hardest and most isolating times in my life. I felt overwhelmed and alone, trying to navigate a world I never expected to be a part of. Being part of Gals for Cal has given me a sense of connection and community that I didn’t know I needed. It has helped me feel like I’m part of something bigger than myself and reminded me that I’m not alone on this journey,” Melissa says. “Being able to raise funds and awareness for boys like Ethan has felt truly amazing and has given me a way to turn something incredibly difficult into something positive. As a mom, having that sense of purpose, connection, and community means more than I can put into words.”
With plenty of grit and spirit, Gals for Cal raised more than $39,000 and counting. We’re so proud of all the athletes who participated and grateful to the volunteers, supporters, and generous sponsors who helped make this year’s race possible: J. Calnan & Associates, Solid Biosciences, Sarepta Therapeutics, Dyne Therapeutics, JB’s Keys, Orsini Specialty Pharmacy, and REQ.
You can view more photos from the 2026 Gals for Cal race on our Facebook page.
