Diagnosed at just five years old, Victor Martinez (14) lives with Duchenne muscular dystrophy, a progressive neuromuscular disorder that causes a loss of motor, pulmonary, and cardiac function. Victor lives with his three sisters and mother, Natalie, in Rowlett, Texas.
After Victor lost his ability to walk at age nine, the family has struggled to attend medical appointments, make the bus for school, and leave the home for any activities. They have relied entirely on public transportation to leave their home.
The Martinez Family applied to Jett Foundation’s Accessible Vehicle Fund after years of unpredictable and unreliable transportation, as well as to keep their family together and safe. “Victor was not able to get out of the house much and deserves better,” says his mother.
December 15, 2023, brought a freedom to the Martinez Family that they have not experienced in a long time. Celebrating their accessible van delivery with family and friends, the Martinez Family is feeling very grateful for the community around them who helped secure this vital item.
The family fundraised half the funds needed for their vehicle before Jett Foundation stepped in to cover remaining costs and purchase the vehicle. Natalie shares: “Our new van is a game changer. There is nowhere Victor won’t be able to travel to. We are looking forward to Victor taking in the world like everyone else!”
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, Finn’s Friends, the Flatley Foundation, Joaquin’s Warriors, 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 three branches of Jett Giving Fund: the Accessible Vehicle Fund, Emergency Fund, and Equipment Assistance 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 www.jettfoundation.org/giving-fund.
