The Petz family recently relocated to Bedford, New Hampshire to be in closer proximity to medical care for their son, Logan (12), who lives with Duchenne muscular dystrophy. Logan has three brothers, Mason (9), Miles (6), and Liam (4). As a progressive neuromuscular disorder causing most individuals to rely on a power wheelchair to move around, Duchenne creates many barriers for families who receive a diagnosis, such as safety and accessibility when traveling.
Tim and Luciana, Logan’s parents, aim to give their four boys many adventures and pleasant memories throughout their childhood. In recent years, the inability to safely lift and transport Logan has prevented the Petz family from taking on the adventures they would like. Luciana has hurt her back while lifting Logan into their car for a therapy appointment and has struggled to safely give him the assistance he needs as he grows in size.
“After 2 years of carrying Logan and his wheelchair in and out of our vehicles, we knew that we needed help,” says Luciana. “We were limiting his trips to necessary errands. It was not only affecting Logan, but our other three kids as well as we would make a decision about going somewhere based on whether or not we could take Logan.”
The Petz family no longer has to worry about space, accessibility, or safety when leaving the home as they celebrated the delivery of a new accessible van on June 11, 2024. The family was joined by friends, family, community supporters, and the Jett team at Bedford Fire Department to witness the station’s Tower 1 engine give their new van a private escort onto campus.
It was a day filled with celebration, marking the beginning of countless adventures for the family in their new vehicle. The celebratory crew documented the moment with photos amidst a flurry of confetti launched by fire department staff. They then chatted with local media and excitedly explored the van’s new features and safety upgrades.
The Petz family was accepted into Jett Foundation’s 2024 Accessible Vehicle Fund, a branch of the Jett Giving Fund program that aims to partner with families to raise funds for this expensive, yet vital item. Along with their community, the Petz family raised half of the funds needed before Jett Foundation stepped in to cover the remaining costs and purchase the vehicle.
The family shares, “We are overjoyed with the support we received throughout our fundraising and on the day of our van delivery. We are very much looking forward to exploring new locations as a family and giving Logan the comfort of his power wheelchair wherever we may go.”
To assist families impacted by Duchenne through the Accessible Vehicle Fund, Emergency Fund, and Equipment Assistance Fund, you can donate today or reach out to Maura Carroll, Director of Development, at [email protected] to learn more about sponsorship opportunities.
We are very grateful to our dedicated sponsors and donors who help make the Jett Giving Fund possible: Cure Dale’s Duchenne, Finn’s Friends, the Flatley Foundation, the Killian Family, Catalyst Pharmaceuticals, Kindness Over Muscular Dystrophy, Michael’s Cause, Ryan’s Quest, PJ’s Protocol, and Sarepta Therapeutics.
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.
