The Brinkley family’s journey to greater freedom and peace of mind reached a joyful milestone with the arrival of their new accessible van, an occasion marked by celebration, gratitude, and a powerful sense of community on May 2nd, 2026.
Through Jett Foundation’s Accessible Vehicle Fund program, the Brinkleys set out to overcome one of the most significant barriers many Duchenne families face: safe, reliable transportation. Like so many others, they were navigating the daily challenges of caring for their son, Ayden, whose fragile bone health and risk of injury made even routine outings difficult. Leaving the house was often limited to essential appointments, with added stress and concern each time they traveled.
“We applied to the [Accessible Vehicle Fund] because we were in urgent need of an accessible vehicle,” the family shared. “The cost was quite intimidating, if I’m being honest. So we looked into the program and decided to apply.”
Determined to create change, the Brinkley family rallied their local community and successfully raised half of their fundraising goal, a testament to the support system surrounding them. From there, Jett Foundation stepped in to cover the remaining cost and coordinate the delivery of a fully accessible van tailored to their needs.
The day of the celebration was filled with emotion as the family saw their new vehicle for the first time. Joining them for the special moment was Total Mobility Services, whose team helped make the vehicle a reality and witnessed firsthand the impact it would have.
More than just a vehicle, the van represents new possibilities. For Ayden and his family, it means being able to safely transport in his wheelchair without fear, and to experience something many families take for granted: simply getting out of the house together.
“Taking a trip somewhere fun just to safely get out of the house,” they said when asked what they’re most looking forward to. “Allowing us to safely transport him in his wheelchair would give us peace of mind.”
That peace of mind is at the heart of the Jett Giving Fund. By removing transportation barriers, families gain more than mobility. They gain independence, connection, and the ability to create meaningful memories together.
Their story is a powerful reminder of what can happen when determination meets community support. With their new accessible van, the Brinkley family is no longer limited by logistics or safety concerns. They are free to explore, connect, and enjoy life beyond appointments.
The Accessible Vehicle Fund is a branch of Jett Foundation’s Jett Giving Fund program and has helped transform the lives of countless families across the country since its inaugural cycle in 2017, gifting over $6.5 million worth of accessible vehicles, small medical equipment, and emergency assistance thanks to the generous support of individual donors, local communities, and major sponsors including Cure Dale’s Duchenne, The Flatley Foundation, ITF Therapeutics, Sarepta Therapeutics, Austin’s Hope, Catalyst Pharmaceuticals, Finn’s Friends, Kindness Over Muscular Dystrophy, The Killian Family, Michael’s Cause, Permobil, Robert E. & Marie Orr Smith Foundation, and Ryan’s Quest.
You can assist families impacted by Duchenne through the Accessible Vehicle Fund, Emergency Fund, and Equipment Assistance Fund by donating today or reaching out to Maura Carroll, Director of Development, at [email protected] to learn more about sponsorship opportunities. If you or someone you know is in need of support or would like more information on our Jett Giving Fund, please visit www.jettfoundation.org/giving-fund.
