Fundraising for an Accessible Van
The Mattzela Family of Reed City, Michigan, are a close-knit family facing the daily challenges of raising two sons with Duchenne muscular dystrophy. Michael, 15, and Alexander, 14, were diagnosed in 2015, forever altering the family’s path. Parents Tabatha and Michael, along with their daughter Elizabeth, 11, strive to create a life filled with joy and shared experiences.
Despite the diagnosis, the Mattzelas are determined to live life to the fullest. They enjoy family activities like reading, cooking, and traveling. Last summer’s trip to the International Camporee in Wyoming, where the boys traded pins with attendees from around the world, highlighted the limitations they face. Relying on manual wheelchairs due to the lack of accessible transportation for their power chairs, the boys have to depend on others for mobility, a stark contrast to the independence they cherish.
Michael and Alexander both use power wheelchairs full-time. He loves Legos, history, and exploring museums. Alexander, humorous and artistic, enjoys drawing, origami, and tinkering with small appliances. Both boys thrive on getting out and experiencing the world.
The family’s current vehicle, with its broken doors and high mileage, is no longer adequate for safe transportation.
“The boys must climb or be lifted through the driver or passenger doors to get into the vehicle,” says mom, Tabatha. “This is not just inconvenient; it’s unsafe and undignified.”
The inability to transport their power wheelchairs limits their participation in activities, from grocery shopping to community events. They miss out on simple joys like visiting parks and museums, and even participating in local events. It increases the burden of medical appointments, which are already demanding and stressful.
The Mattzelas desperately need an accessible van. It would restore their sons’ independence, allow for safe and comfortable transportation to doctor appointments, and enable them to fully participate in family and community life. An accessible van would be life-changing, providing the boys with the freedom to explore the world on their own terms.
Thankfully, the boys’ doctor had heard of the Jett Foundation’s Jett Giving Fund program and encouraged them to apply. As part of the program, the Mattzelas will aim to raise half or more of the necessary funds for their new accessible vehicle before Jett Foundation covers the remaining expenses and purchases the vehicle outright. The future now holds the promise of family outings and accessible transportation for them.
The Mattzela family has met their fundraising goal and received accessible transportation thanks to supporters like you! You can still support our program and future program participants with a gift to Jett Foundation today:
Donate Today
All donations to Jett Foundation are tax-deductible to the extent allowed under applicable law and is an unrestricted contribution to the Jett Giving Fund. The family is working to raise half the funds needed for their van or more; when they reach their goal, Jett Foundation will cover the remaining costs and coordinate purchase and delivery of the vehicle.
