The Olsen family of Kingman, Arizona faced what no family ever expects: a diagnosis that would completely change their lives. When their 10-year-old son, Dominic, was diagnosed with Duchenne muscular dystrophy at a young age, they were thrust into a world filled with uncertainty, everyday challenges, and a new way of life. As Duchenne progressed and weakened Dominic’s body, he lost the ability to walk and move independently. Everyday activities like going to school, attending crucial medical appointments, or spending time with loved ones, became exhausting and often impossible.
Although Dominic’s power wheelchair gives him the ability to be free and more mobile, the family lacked a vehicle that could transport it. Without accessible transportation, even the shortest outings became physically and emotionally draining. Dominic’s mother, Shandi, had to lift him in and out of their old vehicle, risking injury to herself and Dominic. The very wheelchair that gave Dominic freedom was too heavy to come along, often leaving him stuck at home or reliant on others.
“The day he got his electric wheelchair was the happiest I had ever seen him,” says his father, Andrew. “To be able to keep up with everyone and feel the wind on his face… that was unforgettable. But, that included an additional struggle, which is not being able to transport this heavy equipment or help Shandi as she cares for him every day.”
But this chapter of struggle came to a joyful turning point. On Saturday, June 14, 2025, the Olsen family gathered at their neighborhood park to celebrate the arrival of their own wheelchair-accessible van. Thanks to the incredible support of their community and Jett Foundation’s Jett Giving Fund, they now have the ability to transport Dominic’s power wheelchair safely and easily. The Accessible Vehicle Fund branch of the Jett Giving Fund helps families raise funds for an accessible vehicle before setting up purchase and delivery for the family.
“I think that we are most excited for the ability to go places and have Dominic’s electric wheelchair with us,” Shandi says. “It means mobility and freedom for Dominic. We are also happy that we have such a strong and helpful community that supports each other. We are all in this together.”
“When one of us struggles, we all struggle. When one of us triumphs, we all triumph.”
The Accessible Vehicle Fund is a branch of Jett Foundation’s Jett Giving Fund program and helped transform the lives of countless families across the country since its inaugural cycle in 2017, gifting over $5.5 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, Sarepta Therapeutics, Catalyst Pharmaceuticals, Finn’s Friends, ITF Therapeutics, Kindness Over Muscular Dystrophy, The Killian Family, Michael’s Cause, 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.
