Team

Consider joining our JettRide team! Download the application here: Become a Rider!

Riders
	Kaitlyn Hastings, 16, Plainville, Massachusetts Kaitlyn’s FirstGiving Page I am participating in my first JettRide to try and help my little brother, Ryan, and all of the other boys struggling with DMD. I am really excited to meet new friends, explore new places and most importantly, help to move research ahead quicker to find a cure for DMD.
	Julianna Gabel, 14, Curtice, Ohio Julianna’s FirstGiving Page I am participating in the JettRide for my neighbor and friend, Braedan, and for every other boy with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy. My desire is to raise funds and awareness for this devastating disorder. When I learned about the severity of the disorder my heart ached for my neighbors and their son, and everyone afflicted. I feel this ride is one thing I can do in the effort to help find a cure.
	Jack Van Houten, 17, Hartland, Michigan Jack’s FirstGiving Page I am participating in the JettRide because I want to raise money to fight Duchenne. My brother Kyle has Duchenne so I would like to help him in any way I can. I want my brother to be able to run and play the games with his friends that he can’t now.
	Colby Chase, 16, Lincoln, New Hampshire Colby’s FirstGiving Page I want to be a JettRider for my friend, Jett McSherry and others. This is an opportunity of a lifetime to be able to serve, raise money, and raise awareness of DMD to find a cure. I couldn’t imagine the sorrow and struggle for family and friends of those who have Duchenne muscular dystrophy. All I can do is help.


	Team JOA, Cleveland, Ohio Team JOA’s FirstGiving Page Team JOA will be riding with the JettRiders for a few days of the tour. We’re so excited to welcome them aboard!

	Team Cure Dale’s Duchenne, Gainesville, Florida We need your help to save Dale’s life and the lives of the 20,000 more boys that are diagnosed with Duchenne each year. We are in a race against time. These boys get weaker each day. Dale has already lost his ability to run, jump and play like his peers. Our goal is to stop this dreaded disease.

Leaders
	Ty Miller, 22, Lawrence, Kansas Ty’s FirstGiving Page My motivation for participating in the JettRide is to ride for my MDA campers. I am also riding for Josh Mansheim – a very close friends brother, and all those affected by DMD that I have not yet met.
	Megan Matrka, Columbus, Ohio Megan’s FirstGiving Page I am from Columbus, Ohio and have been involved with the Jett Foundation since the 2010 tour. I learn a lot from the Duchenne crew and am lucky to be a part of it again. I currently work in wilderness therapy with teens and enjoy getting out to bike when I can.


	Sara Perszyk, Tampa, Florida Mother, Grandmother, Nurse and bicycle rider, Sara Perszyk is participating in her forth JettRide. With over 32 years of pediatric nursing experience, Sara has cared for many boys and young men with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy. She current works for The Stepping Stones Program at Suncoast Hospice in Clearwater, Florida. Sara has been an avid biker for more than 38 years.
	Jill Fowler, Palm Harbor, FL Jill’s FirstGiving Page I love cycling, and I have enjoyed working with teens as an educator and volunteer coordinator for over 15 years, so having the opportunity to combine these two passions on the JettRide seemed almost too good to be true! I’m looking forward to encouraging the young people on our ride to discover how loud and passionate their voices can be, and I’m looking forward to learning about how strong and resilient the human spirit is as we listen along the way to the stories of all those affected by Duchenne. I currently work as a Teen Volunteer Coordinator at Suncoast Hospice in Clearwater, FL. My teen volunteers provide a wide range of support and care for hospice patients and families.
Tour Leader
	Paul Nason, Killingly, Connecticut Born in Connecticut and lived on a farm most of my good life, just retired as a Vocational Instructor in Machining. I am an outdoor person and been involved with sports most of my life along with my two sons. I’ve traveled throughout the US including Alaska, Canada and China. I participated coast to coast in the 2010 JettRide.That was the best thing I’ve done in my life, for the boy’s with Duchenne, the other riders and myself. I work hard, have fun, laugh, make friends, help others and no hasn’t been part of my vocabulary.