For the Rider family of Ione, California, the road to greater independence begins with a set of keys.
On June 20th, the Rider Family gathered at their home surrounded by friends, family, and supporters to celebrate the arrival of their new wheelchair-accessible van. This essential piece of mobility was made possible through Jett Foundation’s Jett Giving Fund program and the generosity of the community that surrounds them.
Brothers Mason (14) and Blake (12) live with Duchenne muscular dystrophy, a progressive neuromuscular disorder causing a lack of motor, pulmonary, and cardiac function. The boys both use power wheelchairs to move through the world – a world that, without the right transportation, had become increasingly inaccessible. They navigate these challenges together, accompanied by their siblings, Cheyenne and Colin.
Mason, known for his boundless curiosity, encyclopedic knowledge, and love for travel, will finally be able to experience all that he has learned about. His bright energy and eagerness to connect with others make him the heart of any room. Blake, a talented artist and deep thinker, brings a strong passion to all he does, especially when he’s sketching his favorite characters from Stranger Things or imagining a trip to Paris to explore new foods.
“Seemingly easy trips were a nightmare, having to transfer them in and out of their manual chairs with the fear of injuring them or ourselves,” Mason and Blake’s mom Stacy explained. “Plus, the added stress and physical excursion made it nearly impossible to do anything that wasn’t necessary.”
That all began to change when the family connected with Jett Foundation and the Accessible Vehicle Fund, which helps families like the Riders fundraise a portion of the cost of a wheelchair-accessible van before Jett Foundation covers remaining expenses and coordinates delivery.
“We will finally have our freedom again!” declared Stacy.
The Rider family is eager to begin this new chapter filled with possibilities, from making it to medical appointments safely, to traveling together as a family again, Mason and Blake will finally be able to experience the world on their own terms.
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 $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.
