On Tuesday, August 8, 2023, many families from the Duchenne muscular dystrophy community joined Jett Foundation as VIP guests to the New England Patriots’ Training Camp practice. This special opportunity was hosted by Patriots Foundation at Gillette Stadium in Foxboro, MA, home of the six-time world football champion New England Patriots.
Practice on August 8 was Jett Foundation’s first time back at Training Camp since 2019. Many families enjoyed the two-hour practice followed by a player and coach meet-and-greet under our VIP tent.
Notable Patriots figures who took pictures with and gave autographs to our Duchenne families were quarterbacks Mac Jones and Bailey Zappe, captain Matthew Slater, veteran David Andrews, and the brains behind New England’s success, Head Coach Bill Belichick.
Ryan Hastings, an individual living with Duchenne, was excited to be invited back to Training Camp. He shares, “I always love watching the Patriots practice before the season starts. These Training Camp days with Jett Foundation are so much fun!”
Mark Becker attended Training Camp for a second time with his son, Jack, who is living with Duchenne. Mark shares, “Jack is now 18 years old and knows and loves many of the Patriots players. We had a great day at Training Camp and are still in awe at how many players came over to sign his shirt. The event was amazing and we are very grateful!”
Maura Carroll, Jett’s Director of Development, says, “We are very thankful to the entire Patriots Foundation and the New England Patriots organization for graciously hosting us at their Training Camp again this year. Nothing makes a summer more complete than seeing boys from our community chat with their role models and watch such an established team practice. We hope to return again soon for more exciting days in Foxboro!”
Check out a complete photo album from our day at Training Camp on Facebook.
Go Patriots!
