Teresa Dood is a single mother to three children: Grace (16), Hope (12), and Nicholas (9). Her children came to her via foster care at a very young age, which resulted in eventual adoption when she could. Their home in Michigan also houses their pet guinea pigs, Diamond and Nugget.
As a family, the Doods enjoy outdoor activities together the most, such as the beach at Lake Michigan, parks, zoos, and more. And when the sunshine goes away in the winter, the family turns to sledding and quality time with each other.
The Dood family has felt many challenges of being impacted by Duchenne muscular dystrophy. Teresa says, “At this point, the biggest challenge is the emotional toll of Duchenne on Nicholas, myself, and his sisters. There are so many emotions connected to watching your child struggle.”
Nicholas has recently found it difficult to physically, emotionally, and academically keep up with his peers because of his Duchenne diagnosis. And as his mother, Teresa has a hard time watching Duchenne challenge her child greatly. “I want to protect him from all the hurt and the pain, yet I can’t. It is heartbreaking day after day.”
“The last 18 months have been especially challenging,” says Teresa. “COVID has affected schooling and employment, our mental health, and overall stability. Our home also had a flood take place and other appliance issues. And although he is still very mobile, Duchenne has recently caused Nicholas’ muscles to deteriorate significantly.”
Teresa and her family have followed Jett Foundation closely throughout the years of Nicholas’ diagnosis. They decided to apply to the Emergency Fund branch of the Jett Giving Fund for mortgage assistance in a time of financial and emotional hardship.
Jett Foundation’s Jett Giving Fund offers families financial assistance through two main branches of support: The Accessible Vehicle Fund helps families obtain safe, accessible transportation; families raise half the funds needed or more for their vehicle and Jett Foundation covers the remaining costs. The Emergency Fund provides grants to families facing unexpected, emergency situations.
Teresa shares, “Fast forward a few weeks, and we have heat in our home, new flooring, and a new kitchen/main floor arrangement that will make it easier for Nicholas to use a wheelchair indoors. We have been so blessed by our family, friends, church, and Jett Foundation who have supported us in our various emergencies this past year. I’ve learned it’s okay to ask for help, and that community is very important.”
Established in 2017, the 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, Fibrogen, the Flatley Foundation, the Killian Family, Michael’s Cause, Ryan’s Quest, and Sarepta Therapeutics.
You can help us to support more families through the two branches of Jett Giving Fund: the Accessible Vehicle Fund and the Emergency 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 jettfoundation.org/giving-fund.
