The Daniels Family of Macon, Georgia celebrated an important day in their lives on Saturday, August 12, 2023: the gifting of their new accessible van for their two boys who live with Duchenne muscular dystrophy, James (22) and Jacob (18).
James uses a power chair full time and since breaking his hip last December, navigating his travels has been even more difficult and often painful. James and his parents were using public transportation to get to medical appointments, activities in town, and to his college campus where he is studying Public Relations. His brother Jacob lives with autism in addition to Duchenne, and transporting him to a vehicle seat can be very strenuous on the family and on Jacob’s body.
As of August 12, the family no longer needs to worry about how they will get to appointments, school, or daily activities; they are safe in their accessible vehicle. The Daniels Family was joined by the boys’ siblings and grandparents to watch the van roll down the driveway for the first time – a day they will never forget.
As participants in Jett Foundation’s Accessible Vehicle Fund branch of the Jett Giving Fund, the Daniels Family fundraised half the funds needed or more for their accessible vehicle. Jett Foundation then stepped in to cover remaining costs and coordinate purchase of the vehicle.
Stacy Daniels, the boys’ mother, says, “We are most looking forward to having the freedom of taking the boys to any activities they would like whenever they would like. They will no longer be bound to a schedule. Most of us can just get in the car whenever we need to go somewhere, but that was not the case for James or Jacob until now.”
Established in 2017, Jett Giving Fund has helped transform the lives of countless families across the country with over $3.5 million worth of accessible 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, the Killian Family, Kindness Over Muscular Dystrophy, Michael’s Cause, Ryan’s Quest, Sarepta Therapeutics and Ultragenyx.
You can help us to support more families through the two branches of Jett Giving Fund: the Accessible Vehicle Fund and the Emergency Fund. Donate today or learn more about becoming a sponsor by emailing info@jettfoundation.org.
If you or someone you know is in need of support or would like more information on our Jett Giving Fund, please visit https://www.jettfoundation.org/giving-fund/.
