In July, Jaden Smith, a 16-year-old living with Duchenne muscular dystrophy, got some of his independence back thanks to Jett Foundation’s Equipment Assistance Fund, a branch of the Jett Giving Fund. On July 14, Jaden received a foldable power wheelchair to help him navigate around his home and travel more easily.
Jaden was diagnosed with Duchenne in 2014, and since then, life has been a rollercoaster for him and his family. Jaden’s mother, Martha, says one of the hardest parts of the diagnosis has been watching her son lose abilities that other boys his age have.
Before the family received the folding power chair, Martha often had to push Jaden around. When they left the house, she had to take his wheelchair apart and put it back together once they arrived at their destination. The process became very strenuous and time-consuming.
Eventually, Martha learned about Jett Foundation’s Equipment Assistance Fund through conversations with members of the Duchenne community and Team Joseph, a nonprofit organization based in Michigan that fights for all children and young adults battling Duchenne.
When Jaden received his folding power chair, Martha says he was ecstatic. The chair is already giving the family more freedom to get out and about. They’re looking forward to putting it to use on a trip to California this November for Thanksgiving. While there, they plan to visit Universal Studios to see the Grinch, one of Jaden’s favorite characters. They’re also excited to attend conferences and visit friends and family more often.
For Martha, the wheelchair means more time enjoying the moments that matter and less time worrying.
“I have no words to express how thankful we are for everything,” Martha says. “This foldable wheelchair will help him be more independent when we travel and when the car breaks down and we need to get a loaner. It also helps Jaden navigate around the house and saves this mama bear some money by not having to rent a power chair every time we travel.”
While Jaden has navigated a few hurdles, his new wheelchair is giving him and his family more opportunities to make memories, experience new things, and live life to the fullest.
We’re grateful to our individual donors, local communities, and major sponsors including Cure Dale’s Duchenne , The Flatley Foundation, ITF Therapeutics , Sarepta Therapeutics , Austin’s Hope , Catalyst Pharmaceuticals , Finn’s Friends , Kindness Over Muscular Dystrophy , The Killian Family, Michael’s Cause, Permobil, Robert E. & Marie Orr Smith Foundation, Numotion, and Ryan’s Quest, whose generous support helps make stories like Jaden’s possible.
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.