Cory Stalling (23) is from Missoula, Montana, and is currently navigating a life with a Duchenne muscular dystrophy diagnosis. His parents, Christine and David, live nearby and assist Cory when needed due to this progressive neuromuscular disorder that causes a loss of motor, pulmonary, and cardiac function.
Cory has aimed for the stars in school and social life despite many challenges that Duchenne brings to his family. His muscles have deteriorated over time, causing Cory to rely on a power wheelchair to move around. Not having the correct accessible transportation for him and his chair also created a safety risk for the family. Without safe and timely transportation, in addition to his accessible wheelchair and equipment, Cory would not be able to attend college and join his peers through young adulthood.
Thankfully, Cory connected with Jett Foundation who accepted the Stalling family into our Accessible Vehicle Fund branch of the Jett Giving Fund. Through this program, Jett Foundation partners with families who aim to raise half or more of the funds necessary for their accessible vehicle. Then, Jett Foundation covers remaining expenses and coordinates the delivery of the vehicle.
Cory, Christine, and David were left smiling from ear to ear on November 15, 2024, as they watched their new accessible van pull into the driveway. “Receiving this van was a very positive experience,” shares Cory’s mom, Christine. “Transferring Cory manually into our car became very difficult for us, so having the ability to let Cory enter the van on his own is amazing!”
Cory was joined by his closest family and friends who helped their community fundraising efforts along the way. He shares “Having the ability to travel to and from campus is going to help my family a lot. I can’t wait to experience this new level of freedom.”
The Jett Giving Fund program has helped transform the lives of countless families across the country since its inaugural cycle in 2017, gifting over $4.5 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, Finn’s Friends, the Flatley Foundation, the Killian Family, Catalyst Pharmaceuticals, Kindness Over Muscular Dystrophy, Michael’s Cause, Ryan’s Quest, Nicholoff Family in honor of PJ’s Protocol, and Sarepta Therapeutics.
To assist families impacted by Duchenne through the Accessible Vehicle Fund, Emergency Fund, and Equipment Assistance Fund, you can donate today or reach 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.
