I am excited to participate in my first ever triathlon at the Title 9 Triathlon on September 11 in Hopkinton, MA. I'll be joining a group of resilient women with the Gals for Cal team. 

The Gals for Cal team started as a group of friends wanting to do "something" to help their friends, the Quitzau family, whose young son was diagnosed with Duchenne muscular dystrophy. The team did the triathlon for the first time in 2009 with the purpose of raising awareness and funds for Duchenne research. 

I've been cheering on the Gals from the sidelines in Hopkinton for the past few years as I've been introduced to Duchenne, met incredible boys living with this muscle wasting disease and their amazing families. 

This year I'm honored to swim, bike and run alongside these women to help make a difference in the lives of those living with Duchenne.

Thank you for your support!

More about Duchenne:

Duchenne is the most common fatal genetic disorder diagnosed in childhood. It is a very progressive muscle wasting disease primarily affecting boys. Most boys are wheelchair dependent by age 12 and rapidly lose all muscle function. The respiratory system is affected and the heart, a muscle too, eventually fails. Most boys with Duchenne do not live beyond their 20's. There is no cure. 

Hope for the Duchenne community stems from research efforts to better understand all aspects and stages the disease. Continued clinical discovery and development of potential treatments which may benefit patients living with this devastating disease.

More about Gals for Cal and Jett Foundation:

The Gals for Cal continue to raise funds to support Duchenne research, advocacy, and direct service initiatives of the Jett Foundation, including the Jett Giving Fund and Camp Promise. The Jett Giving Fund directly assists those living with Duchenne so they may afford the very expensive equipment they need that insurance often doesn't pay for.  Our goal is to improve the quality of life for those living with Duchenne. 

Since the team was founded, the Gals have raised over $750,000 for Jett Foundation. This year marks the 14th anniversary of this incredible team of woman who have challenged themselves and challenged Duchenne. 

This year, Jett Foundation will serve 250 campers through year-round virtual programs and summer camp sessions; deliver nearly $800,000 of accessibility items and emergency assistance through the two branches of the Jett Giving Fund; and reach hundreds of families through our educational webinars held throughout the year. All of this is made possible thanks to the generosity of supporters like you.

For more information on the Jett Giving Fund, please visit jettfoundation.org.