On a cold Saturday morning, December 6, thirty-five generous members of our community traded warmth and comfort for ugly sweaters, running shoes, and a shared purpose at the iDaph Ugly Sweater Run in Brevard, NC, presented by Hunter Subaru. What began as a festive winter race quickly became a powerful demonstration of what it means to show up for one another.
Thanks to an incredible turnout, Jett Foundation’s team proudly won the $1,000 prize for having the most runners, with all funds directly supporting Camp Promise, Jett’s signature summer camp experience for teens and adults living with Duchenne muscular dystrophy and other neuromuscular conditions. This victory wasn’t just about numbers; it was about unity, commitment, and community.
Among those in attendance at the Ugly Sweater Run was Jett Foundation Social Worker Jessica Campbell, who participated alongside her son Javon, who lives with Duchenne muscular dystrophy. For Jessica, the morning was deeply meaningful, not just because of the win, but because of the people who chose to be there.
“My heart is so full,” Jessica shares. “I am so grateful for those who choose to show up and support our neuromuscular community time and time again. Each and every one of them could have stayed in the comfort of their warm homes on this cold Saturday morning. Instead, they showed up — many crossing the state line to participate. Most showing up on their day off. Others who have already donated so much of their time to Camp Promise this year. Old and new friends joining together, claiming the victory and pouring back into our community! Thank you doesn’t seem like enough. We truly appreciate you.”
For Javon, the experience reinforced something even more powerful: belonging. “It feels good to feel supported by others. It makes me feel like a part of the community and I’m not alone.”
Moments like these are exactly why Camp Promise and Jett Foundation’s mission exist: to ensure no family ever feels isolated and every child knows they are supported.
The team at Jett Foundation is also incredibly grateful for the encouragement and recognition shared by Dr. Amy Siegler of LimbTech, who is a longtime advocate of the disability community and helped celebrate Team Jett’s impact:
“Congratulations to Jett Foundation for winning $1,000 for having the most runners in their group at the Ugly Sweater Run! Jett Foundation does incredible work, sending kiddos to camp, helping families purchase accessible vans, and providing ongoing support to the [Duchenne] muscular dystrophy community. They are so deserving of this award, and we are truly grateful to be involved with such a meaningful organization.”
For those looking to support Jett Foundation and the Duchenne community through movement, please consider hosting or joining an event in your local community! For help with getting started, please visit our Team Jett webpage.
To everyone who ran, donated, cheered, volunteered, or supported from afar — thank you. Because of you, Camp Promise continues to be a place where individuals can experience independence, friendship, and joy, surrounded by people who truly understand.
We’re already looking forward to next year’s Ugly Sweater Run and to seeing this incredible community show up once again.
Check out photos from the run by clicking here.
