For the Carbone family, water has always been more than just a place to swim—it’s a source of therapy, joy, and connection. When the COVID-19 pandemic hit in 2020, Kevin, who was just seven years old at the time and beginning to face the physical challenges of Duchenne muscular dystrophy, could no longer access his usual therapeutic pool. The local town pool was too cold, and closures due to COVID-19 made warm water therapy inaccessible. So, the family made the decision to install a swim spa at home—an investment in Kevin’s health and happiness.
But last year, things changed. Kevin’s Duchenne muscular dystrophy progressed rapidly, and lifting him into the spa became increasingly difficult, eventually impossible. Their standard Hoyer lift couldn’t safely support a spa transfer, and Kevin was forced to give up one of his favorite activities that also serves as much needed therapy for his weakening body.
“He was really missing swimming,” his family says. “We started researching spa-specific Hoyer lifts that could attach to our deck, but like so many things related to disability and accessibility, the cost was overwhelming.”
That’s when the Carbone family turned to Jett Foundation’s Equipment Assistance Fund. Having heard about the program upon Kevin’s diagnosis, they visited Jett Foundation’s website, applied, and soon received the support they needed to purchase and install the lift.
The timing couldn’t have been more critical. On October 1, 2024, Kevin broke his femur. He spent two long months recovering in a hospital bed set up in the family’s living room. Through it all, he longed for the feeling of the warm water, the water therapy relief, and the fun of family swim time.
Finally, Kevin was cleared to swim again—and thanks to the spa Hoyer awarded by Jett Foundation—he was able to get back into the water safely and comfortably.
Kevin’s parents share: “The stress of this life with Duchenne melts away in the water. We laugh, guide Kevin through water therapy activities, and just enjoy being together. We never would have been able to do it without the spa Hoyer. We’re so thankful for Jett Foundation.”
Now, Kevin is back in the water multiple times a week, enjoying therapy with his family, all made possible through the power of community support and the generosity of those who fuel Jett Foundation’s mission.
The Jett Giving Fund program 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, the Nicholoff Family, Robert E. & Marie Orr Smith Foundation, Ryan’s Quest, and Yale Appliance.
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.
