Fundraising for an Accessible Van
Kristi and Justin Locke never imagined a life where they struggle to take their children out of their home in Carthage, Tennessee. When their oldest child Deklan was just six years old, doctors diagnosed him with Duchenne muscular dystrophy, a progressive neuromuscular disorder causing a lack of motor, pulmonary, and cardiac function. They also have two daughters, Juliet and Layla, who are also impacted by the daily challenges of life with Duchenne.
As Duchenne progressed in Deklan’s body over the years, he lost his ability to walk and move independently. Being a sweet, social boy who desires to spend a lot of time with his friends and sisters, Deklan is struggling to stay confined to his home with limited opportunities to enjoy childhood adventures.
Deklan relies on a power wheelchair to move around, which weighs 500 pounds. Manually lifting Deklan is taxing and dangerous for the whole family, and with a lack of accessible transportation, the Locke family has no way of giving Deklan independence by bringing the power wheelchair. Currently, they attach a lift to their vehicle in an attempt to bring his power wheelchair. This lift is unreliable and not safe to transport.
“Deklan is still getting used to his limitations,” shares his parents. “It is not safe for us to bring him anywhere in our car, but right now, it is our only option. We cringe watching Deklan and his vital equipment move around in the back.”
The need for an accessible vehicle is critical for the Locke family, not only to ensure Deklan receives timely medical care, but to allow him to fully engage in life and enjoy the simple joys of childhood.
Thankfully, the Locke family has connected with Jett Foundation through Family Support Groups and was directed to the Jett Giving Fund program. Now, as participants in the Accessible Vehicle Fund, they will aim to raise half or more of the necessary funds for their new accessible vehicle before Jett Foundation covers the remaining expenses and purchases the vehicle outright. The future now holds the promise of family outings and accessible transportation for them.
The Locke family has met their fundraising goal and received accessible transportation thanks to supporters like you! You can still support our program and future program participants with a gift to Jett Foundation today:
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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.
