August 21, 2022 marked the 50th anniversary of one of the most historic athletic events across the country: the Falmouth Road Race. This year was Jett Foundation’s third appearance along the scenic 7-mile course, and the team has also taken on virtual renditions of the race over the past couple of years.
This year’s Go! for Duchenne team brought thirteen runners to the streets of Falmouth, MA and two runners to a virtual race in Plymouth, MA. The 2022 event saw nearly 10,000 total runners registered, including many that ran for charities and nonprofit organizations such as Jett Foundation. With streets filled with spectators and supporters, it was impossible to not have a successful day.
Jett Foundation’s own Marketing and Communications Manager Zac Bentley joined our 15-person lineup to raise funds and awareness for Duchenne, as well as complete the 7-mile course on race day. He says, “I could not have asked for a better first experience in Falmouth with Jett Foundation. I have always identified myself as a runner but it was truly magical to be able to identify as someone who is moving for Duchenne. I can’t wait to see even more Jett Foundation jerseys out there next year!”
Zac led the Go! for Duchenne team across the Falmouth coast, finishing in 93rd place with a time of 40 minutes and 52 seconds.
Also competing for Jett Foundation was Lisa Stewart who has been connected with the Duchenne community for many years. Lisa says, “It felt good knowing that the funds we raised are going to such a wonderful organization. My favorite part of the race was passing the Jett Foundation tent and seeing everyone cheering!”
Members of the Go! for Duchenne team raised nearly $23,000 in support of Jett Foundation’s programs and services that assist individuals and families impacted by Duchenne muscular dystrophy.
Steph Howie and James Bustamante hosted their own road race in Plymouth, Massachusetts while raising an abundance of funds and awareness for Duchenne. With the support of family and friends, Steph and James completed a 7-mile loop across the Plymouth waterfront on August 14, 2022 in honor of their two-year-old son Gio, who has Duchenne.
“Our son, Giovanni, was diagnosed at just 4 months old with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy,” says Steph. “While this news was absolutely life shattering, we were introduced to Jett Foundation and they have been such an incredible support system for our family. They have provided us with so many tools we need to fight this horrific disease and a community to help us feel like we are not on this journey alone.”
She also says, “We were thrilled to have the chance to be part of the Falmouth Road Race Go! for Duchenne team and help raise funds to continue helping families just like ours. It was such a great experience walking the 7 miles through Plymouth… An experience we will never forget and look forward to doing again.”
Kyla Collette and Alex Tuckerman also finished strong in Falmouth where they raced for their son, Walker, who was diagnosed with Duchenne muscular dystrophy just after his first birthday.
Jett Foundation will field Go! for Duchenne teams at two remaining events in 2022: the Gals for Cal Triathlon and Rodman for Kids bike ride. We can’t wait to continue with these events for years to come, including the 51st annual Falmouth Road Race in 2023!
These events would not be possible without our 2022 Go! for Duchenne sponsors: Shea Concrete Products, Solid Biosciences, Yale Appliance, BayCoast Bank, Quincy Mutual Group, Santhera, South Shore Bank, Cabby Shack, Cohasset Insurance, Cohasset Triathlon, Eastern Bank, Lhasa OMS, Max Performance, and Starland Sportsplex Fun Park.
