Press Release: The Gals for Cal Prepare for their 13th Max Performance Title 9 Triathlon

September 10, 2021

-Gals to race in support of children, adults and families impacted by
Duchenne muscular dystrophy-

Plymouth, MA – September 2021Jett Foundation, a non-profit organization dedicated to raising awareness and funds for Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD), will be cheering on their Gals for Cal triathlon team at the Max Performance Title 9 Triathlon in Hopkinton, MA on Sunday, September 12, 2021.

The Gals for Cal triathlon team began in 2009 with one mom, Cindy Quitzau and her son Cal, who was diagnosed with Duchenne 13 years ago. She wanted to challenge herself and challenge Duchenne while raising funds and awareness for Jett Foundation and the families we serve.

Today, the Gals for Cal team has grown from 10 friends and family that first year to well over 150 women over the past 13 years. This is a very special year to be a Gal, as Jett Foundation celebrates its 20th anniversary and Cal will celebrate his 20th birthday this November.

Alongside 40 gals, this year, seven moms in the Duchenne community will be racing in honor of their sons impacted by the disorder: Cindy Quitzau, Amanda Becker, Lisa Shortlidge, Kristen McGourty, Michelle Parker, Stacey Santiago, and Annie Ganot.

“I am incredibly proud to be a Gal and participate in honor of my son, Eytani, for my 6th year and to be joined by so many members of the Solid community at this year’s race. The awareness and financial support that has been raised by the Gals over the years is vitally important to further the Jett Foundation’s efforts to improve the quality of life for all patients living with Duchenne. Solid is a proud supporter of the Jett Foundation, and we are thrilled to continue our support through the Gals for Cals” For the past several years, Annie has recruited her friends and family near and far, and this year she has also welcomed 15 of her colleagues from team sponsor Solid Biosciences, where Annie serves as Co-Founder, VP, Head of Patient Advocacy.

The Gals for Cal’s dedication to the Duchenne community has resulted in nearly $700,000 raised since their founding, which has provided vital support to Jett Foundation’s mission of improving the lives of children and young adults impacted by Duchenne. This year alone, the team has raised over $21,000 in support of Jett Foundation programs like their summer camp for kids and adults impacted by neuromuscular disorders, their financial assistance programs for emergency help and accessible vehicles, educational programming, and more.

To support the 2021 Gals for Cal team, donate at https://www.justgiving.com/campaign/GoGals2021 or cheer them on with a “Go, Gals!” in Hopkinton on September 12.

About Duchenne muscular dystrophy
Diagnosed during childhood, Duchenne is a progressive neuromuscular disorder that causes a loss of motor, pulmonary, and cardiac function, and premature death. It affects approximately one in every 3,500 live male births and some females. Duchenne has no cure. Children with Duchenne are born seemingly healthy and decline over time, usually losing their ability to walk around the age of 12 and succumbing to the disease in their early to mid-twenties.

About Jett Foundation
Since 2001, Jett Foundation, located in Plymouth, Mass., has worked to find treatments and a cure for Duchenne muscular dystrophy while improving and enriching the lives of those impacted. Jett Foundation is a registered charity with 501(c)(3) status from the IRS; all donations are tax deductible. www.jettfoundation.org.

Media Contact for Jett Foundation
Gabriella Costa, gabriella@jettfoundation.org, 774-226-3694

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