On Saturday, April 18th, the Criado family of San Antonio, Texas gathered with loved ones, supporters, and members of their community to celebrate a life-changing milestone: the arrival of their new safe and accessible vehicle. What once felt like a distant goal became a reality through determination, generosity, and the power of community.
For the Criado family, life with Duchenne muscular dystrophy has meant navigating daily challenges that most families never have to consider. Their son Luke, 12, relies on a power wheelchair for mobility, something that has greatly increased his independence, but until now, has been difficult to transport.
“Our family applied to the Accessible Vehicle Fund because reliable, safe transportation is essential to our son Luke’s daily life and independence,” the family shared. “This vehicle would not just be transportation. It would be life-changing for Luke and for our entire family.”
Through Jett Foundation’s Accessible Vehicle Fund, a branch of the Jett Giving Fund, families like the Criados are given a pathway to overcome these barriers. The program supports families in raising a portion of the funds needed for an accessible vehicle, with the remaining cost covered through the support of dedicated Jett Giving Fund sponsors and donors.
The Criado family embraced this journey wholeheartedly. With the help of friends, neighbors, and their broader community, they rallied together to fundraise and share their story. Their efforts, combined with the backing of Jett Foundation’s Jett Giving Fund, made it possible to reach their goal and bring this vehicle home.
A major supporter of the Criado family’s fundraising efforts was Disabled Outdoorsmen USA, an organization committed to empowering individuals through the healing power of the outdoors. Blake Barnett, COO of Disabled Outdoorsmen USA, shares: “Life should never be limited. DOUSA is proud to support freedom and accessibility for years to come, empowering Luke and the Criado family to chase their dreams. On behalf of the entire Board of Directors at DOUSA, we are grateful for the opportunity to partner with Jett Foundation in supporting those who live an adaptive lifestyle. Together, we can continue to serve more families and help make dreams a reality.”
The family’s celebration on April 18th was filled with joy, gratitude, and a sense of new possibility. As the vehicle was revealed, it symbolized more than transportation; it represented freedom, relief, and opportunity.
“What we look forward to most with a new accessible van is the freedom to travel and spend more quality time together as a family,” they shared. “We are excited to explore new places, attend events, and create memories without the constant barrier of accessibility.”
No longer will the family need to navigate the physical strain and safety concerns of transporting Luke and his equipment. Instead, they now have a solution designed to meet their needs, allowing for smoother, safer, and more comfortable travel.
“The biggest change this equipment will bring is accessibility,” the family said. “It will allow Luke to be more independent and engaged in everyday life.”
Moments like these are at the heart of Jett Foundation’s mission to empower families impacted by Duchenne through transformative programs and support systems. The Accessible Vehicle Fund continues to play a critical role in helping families regain independence and experience life beyond the limitations of their circumstances.
Jett Foundation is honored to have been part of the Criado family’s journey and extends heartfelt thanks to every donor, sponsor, and community member who helped make this milestone possible.
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.
