Making Room for Independence, Purpose, and the Freedom to Go
Life changed for the Diemler family the moment their son, Henry, was diagnosed with Duchenne muscular dystrophy, a progressive neuromuscular disorder causing a lack of motor, pulmonary, and cardiac function. Before then, they did everything they could to plan carefully for the future. After diagnosis, priorities shifted toward the present, toward meaning, and toward making the most of every moment together.
They think daily about what they want to experience as a family: moments of joy, connection, and freedom. They choose to take life by the horns, focusing on what matters most: time together and experiences that shape who Henry is becoming.
Henry Diemler is an 18-year-old college student living with Duchenne. Diagnosed in 2011, Henry now relies on a power wheelchair for his mobility. He is currently a biology major at Truman State University, three hours from home, working toward his dream of becoming a genetic counselor. His curiosity, empathy, and resilience reflect a young man who has grown alongside his diagnosis, not defined by it.
Many of Henry’s favorite experiences have involved animals, the zoo, and traveling as a family. Over time, the family discovered that one place brings Henry unmatched joy: the ocean. Feeling the breeze, hearing the waves, and experiencing the openness of the shoreline gives Henry a sense of freedom that is hard to find elsewhere. They try to make a trip at least once a year, knowing how important it is for his emotional well-being.
However, transportation challenges severely limit where Henry can go and how often. Without an accessible vehicle, even everyday activities — seeing friends, running errands, or getting where he needs to be — are often impossible. Henry is largely restricted to places he can reach only with significant help, leaving him isolated at a stage of life when independence matters most.
“To me, this vehicle is going to mean Henry has a lot more independence,” his mom, Claire, shared. “He currently attends college three hours away from home, but it is a very tough process to work through.”
Right now, getting Henry to and from school requires complicated logistics that are neither sustainable nor empowering. Without accessible transportation, Henry cannot fully participate in life beyond campus, nor can he experience the freedom most young adults take for granted.
An accessible vehicle would change that.
With a wheelchair-accessible van, Henry could travel safely and comfortably, reconnect with friends, explore his community, and reduce his reliance on others for basic mobility. The family even hopes that, one day, the vehicle could be modified so Henry can drive himself.
Through Jett Foundation’s Accessible Vehicle Fund, the Diemler family is working to fundraise half or more of the cost of an accessible vehicle. Once their goal is reached, Jett Foundation will help cover the remaining cost and coordinate the purchase and delivery.
By contributing toward their fundraising goal below, you can help Henry move through the world with freedom, dignity, and the chance to build the meaningful life he is already working so hard to create.
All donations to Jett Foundation are tax-deductible to the extent allowed under applicable law and is an unrestricted contribution to the Jett Giving Fund. The family is working to raise half the funds needed for their van or more; when they reach their goal, Jett Foundation will cover the remaining costs and coordinate purchase and delivery of the vehicle.
