Opening the World to Joseph While Living with Duchenne
Joseph Feazell’s world has slowly grown smaller. Not because of a lack of curiosity or joy, but because of a lack of access.
Joseph is an 11-year-old living with Duchenne muscular dystrophy, a progressive neuromuscular disorder that has already made him fully dependent on a power wheelchair for mobility. Joseph came to live with his guardians, Kelly and Tim Gardner, in 2020. At the time, no one could fully explain why walking and running were so much harder for him than other children his age. In 2022, after finding the right specialist, the family finally received answers and a Duchenne diagnosis.
Despite the challenges he faces each day, Joseph remains bright, gentle, and curious. He loves playing video games, building with LEGOs, and watching educational videos about science, space, and history. While he tends to be more reserved, he has been making strides socially and enjoys outings like bowling or going for short walks when possible. Museums spark his imagination and excitement.
Unfortunately, transportation has become the biggest barrier between Joseph and the world beyond his front door.
The Feazell family’s current vehicle is not wheelchair accessible, and Joseph can no longer be lifted safely. Due to his size and a caregiver’s shoulder injury, transferring him into the car is physically impossible without outside help. As a result, Joseph is unable to leave the house for most activities, including social events, family outings, or even routine appointments.
Right now:
- Joseph relies on wheelchair-accessible school bus transportation to attend school.
- Medical appointments require either carrying him with assistance or using costly wheelchair-accessible transportation services.
- Family outings, museums, zoos, and community events are largely out of reach.
Joseph also has siblings and extended family in another state, family he deeply wants to visit but currently cannot, because accessible travel simply isn’t possible.
Life with Duchenne becomes harder each year, but Joseph continues to face it with resilience and a quiet smile.
Through Jett Foundation’s Accessible Vehicle Fund, the Feazell family is working to fundraise a half or more of the cost of a safe, accessible vehicle. Once their goal is reached, Jett Foundation will step in to help cover the remaining cost and coordinate the purchase and delivery of a vehicle that meets Joseph’s needs.
Consider helping Joseph attain the freedom and independence he deserves by contributing toward his fundraising goal below!
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.
