“For four years, I have stressed about how to deal with getting a safe vehicle. This is life-changing” says Michelle, mother of Kelvin Jones. Kelvin is a young man diagnosed with Duchenne muscular dystrophy from Johnston, Ohio.
Michelle first became involved with Jett Foundation after advocating alongside the Duchenne community on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C. After not having reliable transportation, Michelle decided she needed to do something. Unfortunately, their family endured many financial hardships, and they didn’t have the ability to purchase a safe vehicle. This is when Michelle decided to apply to Jett Foundation’s Accessible Vehicle Fund.
Jett Foundation’s 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.
“I absolutely hate asking for help or asking for money as I have always been a giver, but many friends begged me to apply, as they knew that it would help us and would be life changing. Well, they were right, it is,” said Michelle.
“This was the hardest thing for my pride, but truly, Kelvin’s happiness and safety are what’s most important.”
Until they received their van, Kelvin had only been out of his house 10 to 15 times in the last two years. Now, the family can’t wait to check off some of his bucket list travels. They are already planning trips to St. Louis, Kansas City, Pigeon Forge, Gatlinburg, and more!
“Without Jett Foundation, Chris Andrews of My DMD Hero, friends, family, and others, we would still be sitting in Kelvin’s room with no plans to go anywhere,” says Michelle.
For other families impacted by Duchenne, Michelle says: Don’t be afraid or embarrassed to ask for help.
“Duchenne robs so much from those who have it, as well as from their families and those that love them. Although Duchenne changes life for those with it and those around them, we all only have this one life to live, and we all deserve happiness,” says Michelle. “Jett Foundation has added some happiness back for us.”
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.
Established in 2017, Jett Giving Fund has helped transform the lives of countless families across the country with over $2.5 million worth of accessible equipment and emergency assistance thanks to the generous support of individual donors, local communities, and major sponsors including our angel sponsor Cure Dale’s Duchenne along with additional partners Sarepta Therapeutics, FibroGen, the Flatley Foundation, and the Killian Family.
