In August, Jett Foundation held its third Family Workshop of 2026 in Little Rock, Arkansas, bringing together clinicians, researchers, and families impacted by Duchenne muscular dystrophy. Held from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the DoubleTree by Hilton, the workshop focused on education, awareness, and community support.
Speakers included Daria Floyd, a licensed master social worker at Arkansas Children’s Hospital, who discussed the role of social work in supporting families affected by Duchenne. Dr. Tyler Cunningham, a critical care physician and cardiologist with the Muscular Dystrophy Program at Arkansas Children’s Hospital, and Samah Awad, an associate professor of pediatrics specializing in pediatric pulmonology, also spoke about cardiac care and respiratory standards for individuals living with Duchenne.
In addition to clinical presentations, attendees heard firsthand perspectives from Dr. Ryan, who lives with Duchenne, and his wife, Angela, who shared her experience as a mother of a son with Duchenne. Ryan reflected on finding purpose beyond his diagnosis, while Angela spoke about the challenges of receiving a diagnosis and the strength she found through the Duchenne community.
Another highlight of the workshop was a presentation from Goodness Village, a nonprofit organization that provides affordable housing to individuals and families receiving medical care. Last year, Goodness Village welcomed more than 500 people from 17 states, providing care, support, and kindness when it’s needed most.
The workshop concluded with an overview from organizations and companies including Dyne, Catalyst, Avidity, ITF Therapeutics, NS Pharma, Precision Biosciences, REGENXBIO, Sarepta, Secretome, Servier, and Upsher-Smith, on recent clinical trials and approved treatment options for Duchenne.
Vivian Fernandez with REGENXBIO shared her thoughts following the Arkansas Family Workshop: “Congratulations to Jett Foundation on a successful meeting in Little Rock – one of my favorites so far. Great content and discussion and the team at ACH is incredibly committed. I love the energy Jett brings to these events, and appreciate its openness and genuine commitment to work with everyone in the community – it shows!”
We would like to thank our 2026 Family Workshop sponsors: Catalyst, ITF Therapeutics, NS Pharma, Sarepta Therapeutics, Avidity, Dyne, Edgewise, Elixirgen, Entrada, Precision Biosciences, REGENXBIO, Secretome, Solid Biosciences, Upsher-Smith, and Wave. Your support helps ensure that families and individuals living with Duchenne have access to the information and resources they need to be their own best advocate.
A recording of all Arkansas workshop presentations can be viewed on our YouTube channel by clicking here.
Jett Foundation will visit White Plains, New York, and New York City, New York, next month for two upcoming Family Workshops. For more details and to register, visit our website.
You can help us to support families in the Duchenne community! Donate today or learn more about becoming a sponsor of our direct service programs by emailing [email protected].