May 24th was a huge, milestone celebration for the Feazell/Gardner family! Surrounded by their crew of family, friends, and the incredible community members, Joseph and his family officially took over the keys of their brand-new accessible van, thanks to Jett Foundation’s Accessible Vehicle Fund.
When Joseph was diagnosed with Duchenne muscular dystrophy in 2022, his family’s world changed overnight. The progression moved much faster than anyone anticipated, leaving Joseph fully reliant on his power wheelchair. As “older parents with bad backs and shoulders,” lifting and transporting Joseph safely was becoming an uphill battle. The family candidly shared that they simply were not physically, mentally, or financially prepared for everything that quickly sneaks up on you with a Duchenne diagnosis. But they refused to give up. Through some deep research, they discovered Jett Foundation and the programs and resources they provide to support families navigating these exact challenges.
Thanks to the generosity of donors, supporters, and the dedication of the Feazell/Gardner family, this new van stands as a beautiful testament to what happens when a community rallies together. It is so much more than just a set of wheels; it is a passport to independence, safety, and a whole lot of adventure.
First and foremost, the family is relieved to finally be able to safely transport Joseph to his crucial medical appointments in his powerchair. They are looking forward to visiting family, going to parks, and helping Joseph join in on all the extra-curricular activities at school. Best of all, Joseph will finally be able to take his powerchair to camp this summer!
Reflecting on the journey that brought them to this unforgettable delivery day, the family wants to pass on a message of hope and encouragement to anyone else facing similar challenges:
“Don’t quit and no matter how uncomfortable it feels, never stop reaching out. There are many good people in this world that don’t know the needs of others until they hear about it.”
They advocate for openness, reminding everyone to never stop sharing their stories, because there is so much that families don’t know, and sharing those personal experiences is exactly how the DMD community keeps learning and growing together.
Congratulations, Joseph! We can’t wait to see all the amazing places your new wheels take you!
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.