Jacob Fialkowski is 18-years-old living with Duchenne muscular dystrophy in Hampton, Virginia. Duchenne is a progressive neuromuscular disorder that causes a loss of motor, pulmonary, and cardiac function. For years, Jacob has struggled with daily challenges that Duchenne brings, such as getting into the car or attending school and family activities.
As Jacob’s muscles weakened, it became more challenging and unsafe for family members to lift him into the family’s vehicle, which was not equipped for a power wheelchair. The family applied to Jett Foundation’s Jett Giving Fund in hopes of bringing predictability, safety, and accessibility to their everyday travels.
Through Jett Foundation’s Accessible Vehicle Fund and fundraising efforts in their community, the Fialkowski Family was able to celebrate the delivery of safe and accessible transportation on December 18, 2023. “We can now visit family over the holidays and bring Jacob to places like restaurants, stores, and college next fall,” says Jacob’s mother, Jackie.
The Accessible Vehicle Fund allows families to fundraise in their community before Jett Foundation steps in to cover remaining costs and coordinate the purchase of the vehicle. Jackie shares, “Our situation has been changed incredibly now that we can rely on a safe van rather than public transportation schedules. We never could have accomplished this without the help of Jett Foundation and the Duchenne community–Thank you.”
Niki Benfield, Jett Foundation’s Camp Promise Operations Director, surprised the Fialkowski Family at their celebration in December. She says, “We are so happy to see Jacob and his family receive the safe transportation they deserve. I feel honored to be able to celebrate this milestone with them and can’t wait to watch them make memories for years to come.”
Established in 2017, 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, Finn’s Friends, the Flatley Foundation, the Killian Family, Catalyst Pharmaceuticals, Kindness Over Muscular Dystrophy, Michael’s Cause, Ryan’s Quest, Sarepta Therapeutics, and Ultragenyx.
You can help us to support more families through the three branches of Jett Giving Fund: the Accessible Vehicle Fund, Emergency Fund, and Equipment Assistance 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 www.jettfoundation.org/giving-fund.
