I write to tell you about an extraordinary journey – the JettRide – that I am about to undertake. In less than 2 weeks, myself and 24 other teens,(future job seekers and CEOs, undoubtedly) will climb on their bicycles hoping for the chance to make a difference. We won’t be out for a short spin on their bikes. Our group is serious. Our team of young people will be riding across the country – nearly 3,800 miles, through 14 states and more than 40 cities – to benefit The Jett Foundation, a nonprofit created to fight Duchenne Muscular Dystropy (DMD). The Jett Foundation was created in 2001 by my mother; Christine McSherry of Pembroke, Massachusetts when my brother; Jett was diagnosed with DMD. Its mission is to find an effective treatment or cure for DMD and to provide support and advocacy to families affected by this terrible disease. Worldwide, DMD affects one in every 3,500 boys born each year. There are approximately 15,000 boys with DMD alive in the US today. DMD attacks and begins to destroy boys’ muscles before they are three, cripples them by 12, and kills them before they are 20. There is no cure. Jett, the namesake of the organization is my little brother. It its short history, The Jett Foundation has raised well over $1 million for research. Much of this funding as been directed toward the development of a drug treatment called PTC-124 that shows great implications for the treatment of Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy as well as Cystic Fibrosis. While the news of PTC-124’s efficacy in slowing the progression of DMD and CF is remarkable, it is only a viable treatment for 15% of boys with DMD whose disease is caused by a particular gene mutation. Now, through the JettRide, The Jett Foundation endeavors to raise another $1 million to accelerate the development another four target compounds that hold similar promised for the remaining 85% of DMD boys. With your help, we will be participating in the JettRide and will ride for boys who cannot. Each mile, with will be hard, yet we will educate the nation about Duchenne. Our goals is to help bring The Jett Foundation and DMD families everywhere closer to an treatment and a cure. This opportunity not only presents great hope, but also a tremendous grassroots community involvement. The story is already buzzing nationwide, and I would be delighted to add your name to my list of sponsors. The group will also be carrying banners to display at nationwide grassroots events, fact kits and other items that will feature sponsor logos and corporate information. This ride has the potential for national exposure from coast to coast. Additionally, the JettRide has just acquired the expertise and counsel of Wayne J. Keeley, noted entertainment attorney, producer and distributor. Wayne is a three time nominee and two-time Emmy Award winning producer of public service announcements, and the father of a boy with DMD. Among our attachments is an outline of Wayne’s vision to create a JettRide documentary. These young people hope to raise substantial funds to help The Jett Foundation reach a one million dollar goal. Reaching this milestone will have a significant impact on the Foundation’s funding of promising research. Great things will be possible if together we can attain this goal I would truly appreciate your consideration of my application. Any contribution towards my $2,500 fundraising goal would be great!!
