JAR of Hope Rings New York Stock Exchange Closing Bell

MANALAPAN, NJ--(Marketwired - August 12, 2016) - JAR of Hope, one of the world's foremost foundations dedicated to funding research for Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD), was invited to ring the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) Closing Bell on Tuesday, August 9. The non-profit organization was recognized by the exchange for its continued strides in raising national awareness and funding in an effort to cure DMD, a rare, muscle wasting disease that claims the lives of predominantly young males.

"It's an honor and a privilege to receive an invitation to ring the NYSE Closing Bell," stated Jim Raffone, Founder and CEO of JAR of Hope. "When we started JAR of Hope, I never could have envisioned how widespread our efforts would reach. I thank our thousands of sponsors and ambassadors who have made this all a reality, but we realize there's still much to be done."

JAR of Hope's journey began in 2013 after Raffone's then-four-year-old son, Jamesy, was diagnosed with the debilitating illness that impedes the body's ability to produce dystrophin, a vital component for muscle development. Raffone received a grim prognosis from seven different doctors who told him his son's future was in doubt. The Manalapan, NJ-based father remained undeterred by Jamesy's bleak odds, and established JAR of Hope with the goal of raising enough awareness to fund research to combat the incurable disease. Through various physical fitness campaigns and powerful speeches, Raffone has captured the attention of thousands nationwide who have joined the collective effort to eliminate DMD.

The foundation recently made headlines with the initiation of the hyperbaric oxygen chamber treatment (HBOT) study, to be conducted by the esteemed University of Minnesota over the next two years. The pre-clinical trial aims to prove the efficacy of oxygen therapy on DMD sufferers by utilizing a mouse model. Additionally, the foundation will participate in the Grand to Grand Ultra (G2G) challenge in the fall. The G2G is an intensive seven-day, six-stage, self-supported 170-mile foot race that begins on the breath-taking north rim of the Grand Canyon and culminates on the summit of the Grand Staircase.

Other upcoming JAR of Hope events include September's Delivery of Hope Day, which in partnership with Play-Well TEKnologies will attempt to shatter a world record for the longest LEGO chain ever assembled, and the second annual JAR of Hope Gala, taking place in October with live entertainment provided by the legendary hip-hop group, The Sugarhill Gang.

For all additional information regarding JAR of Hope, or to become a JAR of Hope ambassador by way of donations or event participation, please visit www.jarofhope.org.

About JAR of Hope:

JAR of Hope was founded in 2013 by James Raffone, after his young son, Jamesy, was diagnosed with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy. Duchenne is form of muscular dystrophy that is caused by a mutation in the dystrophin gene. The absence of dystrophin results in muscle deterioration-leading to paralysis, decreased cardiac function, and eventual death. Duchenne affects about 300,000 young males worldwide with approximately 20,000 cases in the United States. Currently, Duchenne has no cure and the average life expectancy of those affected is 25 years. However, JAR of Hope is devoted to eliminating the disease by bringing awareness and raising funds directed to ongoing research.

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