For the Manning family, one set of keys has opened doors to independence, joy, and a future of possibility for their son, Cooper.
One of Jett Foundation’s Accessible Vehicle Fund program participants, the Manning family of Kaufman, Texas, recently received their long-awaited accessible van, unlocking greater freedom, safety, and opportunity for their son Cooper and the entire family.
14-year old Cooper lives with Duchenne muscular dystrophy, a progressive neuromuscular disorder that causes loss of motor, pulmonary, and cardiac function. While Duchenne brings daily challenges, Cooper is a gentle, creative soul who enjoys outdoor adventures, attending church, and spending time with his close-knit community. Until recently, however, the transportation needed for those passions were out of reach.
After receiving the keys to their accessible van this spring, the Manning family celebrated alongside the community that helped make it possible. Their journey began after being introduced to Jett Foundation’s Jett Giving Fund. Through the program, families raise half or more of the vehicle’s cost, with Jett Foundation covering the rest and managing the purchase and delivery.
Reflecting on the experience, Cooper’s mother, Stacey Manning, shares a message for other families considering applying: “Just know that there are people out there who will help no matter what you’re going through,” she says. “Keep up the hard work; it pays off in the long run. A miracle may come your way!”
Now, Cooper can independently enter and exit the vehicle using his power wheelchair, and the family can travel without fear or physical strain. From attending church events to going on outdoor excursions, the Mannings are finally able to embrace more of life’s moments together.
“Our family is so excited to go on a vacation this summer to visit Wisconsin to see my mom’s side of the family, relatives which Cooper has never met,” stated Stacey.
To celebrate this milestone, the Manning family hosted a heartfelt gathering on May 19th, where they expressed their gratitude to Jett Foundation and the community who helped make their dream a reality. Surrounded by friends, family, and supporters, the event was a powerful reminder of what community and compassion can accomplish together.
“This is what it’s all about—hope, impact, and coming together for families like the Mannings,” says Finn’s Friends, who supported the Manning family in fundraising for their accessible van. “Thank you to every single person who donated, making this dream possible for the Manning family. Your kindness and support truly changed their lives.”
The Accessible Vehicle Fund is a branch of Jett Foundation’s Jett Giving Fund program and helped transform the lives of countless families across the country since its inaugural cycle in 2017, gifting over $5.5 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, Sarepta Therapeutics , Catalyst Pharmaceuticals, Finn’s Friends, ITF Therapeutics, Kindness Over Muscular Dystrophy, The Killian Family, Michael’s Cause, 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.
