On July 30, 2022, the Hains family led a one-day JettRide in their hometown of Lebanon, Pennsylvania! Luke and Lance Hains have been Jett Riders for the past five years to honor their little brother Levi, who lives with Duchenne muscular dystrophy.
JettRide is a cycling tour for teens to spread awareness, unite families, and inspire siblings to fight Duchenne.
“Almost everything in our bodies revolves around a muscle, and Levi’s muscles simply don’t work. We are his brothers and will always help him live his best life,” says Luke and Lance.
Their mom, Perlita, has also participated in JettRide for eight years both as a host and rider. With simple words, Perlita says, “There’s nothing like it.”
This year, nearly 40 spectators came out to cheer on their nine JettRiders.
The Hains family was joined by four members of the Pennsylvania State University soccer team, which Levi is a part of through Team Impact.
“This year was extra special,” says Perlita. “These young men consider Levi a teammate and friend. They have a true physical gift and were reminded not to take one second for granted. They rode with immense compassion and pride for Levi.”
For the past two years, the Hains family has also hosted the JettRide around Levi’s birthday in late July or early August. This year, Levi turned 16!
The three words Perlita uses to describe JettRide are: Awareness, Strength, and Grit.
“Many know about Levi and our cause… But the compelling impact I witness is when my older boys ride and strangers ask them questions. Listening to Levi’s brothers speak so eloquently about DMD and their brother is what it’s all about,” says Perlita. “[They ] have awareness and compassion for those uniquely abled.”
Perlita and her family were able to bring funds and awareness to JettRide and Jett Foundation with the help of their town’s local radio station, Froggy Valley 100.1. Perlita was able to speak on the show about her family’s ongoing commitment to JettRide and raising awareness about Duchenne.
“We live in a pretty small community and we are a pretty active family, so people are becoming more aware of what Duchenne is,” says Perlita.
The Hains family and Jett Foundation share the same feelings toward JettRide, as we cannot wait to join our community for this event in 2023. Perlita hopes many other families will be involved when JettRide is full-scale once again.
“JettRide is really life-changing for all involved,” she says. “I hope other families, siblings, cousins, friends, and more will form a team for Jett Foundation and their loved ones.”
Jett Foundation looks forward to partnering with even more individuals and families in the future for events that raise funds and awareness toward Duchenne muscular dystrophy. Our Go! For Duchenne events would not be possible without our sponsors such as 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.
