On April 26, 2026, the Agri family gathered with friends, supporters, and community members to celebrate a life-changing milestone: the arrival of their new safe and accessible van.
For families living with Duchenne muscular dystrophy, access to reliable and adaptable transportation is more than a convenience… It’s essential. For Melissa Kendall and her son Ethan, this moment represents newfound freedom, independence, and the ability to fully participate in everyday life.
“Ethan has Duchenne muscular dystrophy and while we were able to get him an electric wheelchair, we had no way of transporting it,” Melissa shared. “It was brought to school and left there since the summer.”
Without accessible transportation, even the most basic activities had become overwhelming. Something as simple as bringing Ethan’s wheelchair home, or using it outside of school, was not possible. But thanks to the generosity of their community and supporters, that has now changed.
The Agri family were participants in Jett Foundation’s Accessible Vehicle Fund branch of the Jett Giving Fund. Through this branch, Jett Foundation seeks to partner with families in the Duchenne community to raise necessary funds to obtain this vital item.
The impact of this van extends far beyond logistics. From family outings to new experiences, the Agris are now looking ahead with excitement. “With this van, instead of keeping his wheelchair at school, we will be able to bring it home and use it out in the community,” Melissa said.
“We look forward to exploring and traveling to more places and providing Ethan with more independence,” Melissa shared.
This journey to secure an accessible van was fueled not only by determination, but also by the power of community. Melissa encourages other families navigating similar challenges to keep sharing their stories.
“Continue reaching out to people and having them share, even if they’re not able to donate, you never know who your story may reach,” she said.
She also emphasizes the importance of connection and support along the way.
“Although the diagnosis is hard, keep surrounding yourself with people who understand what you are going through, and providing opportunities for your loved one with DMD to come together with others like them is life-changing.”
The Agri family’s celebration marked more than just the delivery of a vehicle. It honored a journey of resilience, advocacy, and community support. Most importantly, it marked the beginning of a new chapter filled with greater access, independence, and possibility for Ethan.
The Accessible Vehicle Fund is a branch of Jett Foundation’s Jett Giving Fund program and has helped transform the lives of countless families across the country since its inaugural cycle in 2017, gifting over $6.5 million worth of accessible vehicles, small medical 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, 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, and Ryan’s Quest.
You can assist families impacted by Duchenne through the Accessible Vehicle Fund, Emergency Fund, and Equipment Assistance Fund by donating today or reaching out to Maura Carroll, Director of Development, at [email protected] to learn more about sponsorship opportunities. 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.
