Pamela and Marvin West live in Ravenna, OH, and are the parents to two boys, Dakota (15) and Duane (9). Dakota is living with Duchenne muscular dystrophy, a progressive neuromuscular disorder that causes a loss of motor, pulmonary, and cardiac function.
The West Family enjoys traveling and finding adventures when they have time, though the challenges of a Duchenne diagnosis have created many financial barriers, including those pertaining to food and groceries.
“Getting all the things that Dakota needs can be very expensive and takes far too long,” says Pamela. “We are currently trying to repair some larger things, so it has been a struggle to afford miscellaneous bills and groceries. Dakota’s body is also declining, which has made things rather difficult.”
The family turned to Jett Foundation’s Jett Giving Fund in hopes of obtaining assistance. The Jett Giving Fund offers families financial assistance through two main branches of support: The Accessible Vehicle Fund helps families obtain safe, accessible transportation; families raise half the funds needed or more for their vehicle and Jett Foundation covers the remaining costs. The Emergency Fund provides grants to families facing unexpected, emergency situations.
“This grant will help our family so much right now,” says Pamela. “It has been a rough year with one thing happening after another. This grant takes a huge stress off.”
Pamela also shares to other families: “Jett Foundation is a great organization and without their help, we would have had to choose between groceries or paying bills. I know it isn’t easy asking for help, but having a place like Jett Foundation to reach toward in times of difficulty is such a relief.”
Established in 2017, the 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, Michael’s Cause, Ryan’s Quest, and Sarepta Therapeutics.
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 jettfoundation.org/giving-fund.
