Brian and his family know firsthand how quickly life can change when new accessibility needs arise. As participants in Jett Foundation’s Accessible Vehicle Fund branch of the Jett Giving Fund, the Dunn family recently celebrated the arrival of their new safe and accessible van during a special celebration held on April 30 at their local church, StoneBridge Church.
The Dunn family’s journey with the Accessible Vehicle Fund began as their son Samuel, who lives with Duchenne muscular dystrophy, prepared to transition into using his first power wheelchair. Alongside mounting medical expenses, two children in college, and a daughter preparing for marriage, the cost of purchasing an accessible vehicle felt overwhelming for the family.
“We heard about Jett Foundation through one of the DMD groups, so we applied right before the deadline,” shared Brian Dunn. “The thought of trying to purchase a van on top of medical bills, two kids in college, and a daughter about to get married seemed impossible. We were thrilled to learn about Jett Foundation and even more thrilled when we were accepted into the program.”
Through community support and fundraising efforts, the Dunn family worked toward their goal of obtaining an accessible vehicle that would better support Samuel’s growing mobility needs. Their new van now allows Samuel to safely enter and travel while remaining secured in his power wheelchair, helping make daily life significantly easier and safer for both Samuel and his parents.
“This van is a game-changer for us,” Brian shared. “Right now, I typically have to lift him off of his small portable wheelchair and place him in a seat. My wife is unable to lift him, so it is difficult for her to transport him.”
The family is especially looking forward to the freedom and independence the van will provide as Samuel attends therapies, appointments, church services, and adaptive activities in the community.
“I am a pastor at my church, so I have to be at church early on Sunday mornings,” Brian explained. “My wife takes Samuel to church for the second service. Right now he has to awkwardly crawl off of his chair and struggle to get himself into the seat. There are risks of falls and it is a strain on him. With the new van, my wife can just open the door, let the ramp come down, and Samuel can drive right in and lock into place. This makes the process so much better and safer for Samuel and my wife.”
Throughout their fundraising journey, the Dunn family leaned heavily on faith, community, and the support of others who rallied around them. Brian also shared words of encouragement for other families currently fundraising through the Accessible Vehicle Fund.
“Hang in there,” he said. “There are people out there that love to give and support efforts like what you’re doing. Don’t be discouraged when some people you thought would give don’t give, because there will be others that surprise you. Sometimes a perfect stranger may step up and give out of nowhere.”
The Dunn family’s celebration at StoneBridge Church was filled with gratitude, excitement, and hope for the future as Samuel officially received the accessible van that will help him safely navigate everyday life and continue participating in the activities he loves.
Jett Foundation is honored to stand alongside families like the Dunns through the Accessible Vehicle Fund and remains committed to helping individuals living with Duchenne gain greater accessibility, independence, and quality of life.
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.
