Helping Xander Stay Independent and Included
For the French family, getting out into the world together is about more than entertainment. It’s about connection, confidence, and quality of life.
Alexander “Xander” French is a 15-year-old living with Duchenne muscular dystrophy, a progressive neuromuscular disorder causing a lack of motor, pulmonary, and cardiac function. Diagnosed in 2016, Xander relies on a power wheelchair to move about his day. Being able to utilize his power wheelchair is essential for participating fully in daily life.
Xander is a thoughtful, curious teen who loves building with LEGO, playing Minecraft, and learning about construction through videos. He enjoys spending time outdoors with his family and, like many Central Florida families, has a special love for Disney theme parks, which have become a favorite escape since the family relocated from Pennsylvania in 2023 to support Xander’s physical needs.
Family experiences matter deeply to Xander. His younger sister dances competitively, and Xander loves attending her recitals and performances whenever he can.
But despite living so close to places they love—theme parks, outdoor attractions, and local destinations—the French family often chooses to stay home.
The reason is simple and heartbreaking: manual transfers and their physical safety.
Because the family’s current vehicle is not accessible to Xander or his power wheelchair, he must use a manual wheelchair whenever they leave home. This limits his independence, causes physical discomfort, and requires constant assistance from his mom or sister, especially on uneven ground. Over time, this has made outings feel overwhelming rather than enjoyable, leading the family to decline opportunities they would otherwise love to say yes to.
An accessible vehicle would change that entirely.
With a wheelchair-accessible van, Xander would be able to attend his sister’s dance recitals more easily, spend longer days at theme parks, and explore Central Florida without the physical and emotional toll that manual transfers bring. It would allow the family to say “yes” more often and reclaim the joy of being out together.
As participants in Jett Foundation’s Accessible Vehicle Fund, the French family is aiming to raise half or more of the cost for an accessible vehicle. Once their goal is reached, Jett Foundation will step in to cover the remaining costs and coordinate the purchase and delivery, ensuring the vehicle supports Xander’s needs now and into the future.
Consider helping Xander 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.
