Thank you for visiting the Gals for Cal fundraising page! We are a group of women, connected through friendship, raising money to fight DMD in honor of a 7 year old boy named Calvin. Together we will participate in the Danskin Women's Triathlon in July. We see it as a way to challenge ourselves, connect with other women, support our dear friends, Curt and Cindy, and, most importantly to make a difference in the lives of Calvin and other little boys like him.
Calvin was diagnosed with DMD, Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy, when he was 5 years old. Duchenne is the most common fatal genetic childhood disorder. It is a very progressive muscle wasting disease primarily affecting boys. Most boys are wheelchair dependent by age 12 and most do not live beyond their 20's. There is no cure.
Calvin’s parents, Cindy and Curt Quitzau, have teamed up the Jett Foundation and a woman named Christine McSherry who, after her son Jett was diagnosed, started a foundation dedicated to fighting this devastating disease. The Jett Foundation, in collaboration with Mass General Hospital, recently opened a new multidisciplinary clinic dedicated to helping boys with DMD. This clinic is the first of its kind in New England. The foundation is also supporting research to fight this disease. Our Gals for Cal fundraising supports the work of the Jett Foundation in hope that Calvin and all the boys living with Duchenne will live longer, healthier lives.
For most of us, this is our first triathlon. For many of us, this is our first training, ever, and it will be an incredible challenge. For all of us, this is truly inspirational. Calvin is a sweetheart – talkative, witty and the best little hugger you will meet. He has the greatest expressions (mostly from his dad) and will say things like, “Yeah, I’m livin’ large,” after an afternoon of sledding and snowmobiling. Cal, you inspire us to live large every day.
Donating through this website is simple, fast and totally secure. It is also the most efficient way to support our fundraising efforts. Many thanks for your support of Gals for Cal -- and thanks for caring about and giving hope to Calvin, Jett and the boys like them.
Warmest regards from Cal's gals,
Cindy Quitzau, Kathy Stubbs, Susan Robinson, Denise Simmons, Cheryl Stys, Nancy Glendinning, Susie O’Gara, Jane Richard, Melanie Edwards, Caryn Montella, Sheryl Bierden, Mal Noonan, Marie Kurmin, Barb Bierden, Janet Kastrud, Jody Bowen, Amber Waterhouse, Helena Walsh, Kim Matheson, Karen Quitzau, Kaitlyn Murray
Visit our site: galsforcal.com
contact us: galsforcal@comcast.net