There was no better way to conclude a season full of Go! for Duchenne events than attending the well renowned Rodman Ride for Kids held annually in support of youth-focused organizations in Foxborough, Massachusetts.
The crisp, autumn air on September 24, 2022 hosted 13 of Jett Foundation’s riders that have raised both funds and awareness in support of our programs and resources for Duchenne muscular dystrophy. The team of riders has gathered nearly $20,000 and counting for Jett Foundation. You can support Jett Foundation through our riders’ fundraising pages here.
The 2022 Rodman Ride offered 25- and 50-mile course options for participants. Each route ventured through the scenic streets of Foxborough, ending at a sea of spectators that cheered loud for hundreds of devoted athletes. Riders then replenished their lost calories with a barbecue party put on by Rodman for Kids.
Covering the 50-mile course was Curtis Quitzau who rode for his son Cal and others who live with Duchenne muscular dystrophy. “This was the 3rd time I’ve ridden at Rodman and I really enjoyed the new venue,” says Curtis. “The ride itself went well for us – no flats or mechanical issues, and I was riding with Dave and Ashley Kelliher, so the company was great. Jett Foundation – what the organization does and the people who do it – has been so helpful to our family in so many different ways.”
Emma DiRocco, who has been a counselor at Camp Promise, also rode for Jett Foundation and chooses to stay as involved as possible for her two nephews who live with Duchenne. She shares, “The energy that day was incredible. Everyone was there for a common goal and everyone’s heart was in the right place that morning. To surround myself with so many giving individuals gives me a feeling I can not explain. My heart was so happy. That is a feeling that I get when I am at Camp Promise, wearing my red on September 7th, or biking for Jett. It never gets old.”
One of Jett Foundation’s dedicated and generous sponsors, Shea Concrete Products, continues to support our programs through sponsorship and by riding with our Go! for Duchenne athletes at the Rodman Ride. Brenda Shea Stratis, Treasurer at Shea Concrete, says, “Shea Concrete Products got involved with Jett Foundation about four years ago. Our great nephews, Rick and Isaac, have Duchenne. We had a great day at the Rodman Ride! The energy and enthusiasm from all of the volunteers made it a bit easier to keep pedaling. The Shea Family and Shea Concrete are thrilled to be able to support the mission of Jett Foundation.”
Our 2022 Go! for Duchenne season was a major success. Jett Foundation’s Director of Development Maura Carroll says, “It was great to have five, in-person athletic events back in full swing this year. We had 150 athletes, along with our generous sponsors, raising $135,000 supporting Jett Foundation’s programs and services! There is nothing like the energy you feel at these events, and we are so grateful to everyone who participated during the spring, summer, and fall!
Thank you to all who supported and participated in this year’s Rodman Ride for Kids with Jett Foundation, including our sponsors BayCoast Bank, Santhera Pharmaceuticals, Shea Concrete Products, Solid Biosciences, and Yale Appliance.
We can’t wait for even more Go! for Duchenne events to return in 2023!
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