Fundraising for an Accessible Van
Challenges and devastation hit the Neal family in early stages of their two son’s lives. After noticing their oldest son’s inability to crawl like most infants, Gail and Shawn Neal sought medical advice that led to a Duchenne muscular dystrophy diagnosis. Pregnant at the time with their second son, the Neal family soon learned that both of their boys would live with Duchenne.
Duchenne is a progressive neuromuscular disorder causing a loss of motor, pulmonary, and cardiac function. Now 12 and 9 years old, Dusty and Ty Neal have very limited mobility and rely on wheelchairs to get around. With no accessible transportation to take their heavier, more comfortable power wheelchairs, the boys are limited in where they can go and risk injury by having their parents lift them in and out of the car.
Gail says, “I tore my rotator cuff lifting them and it takes both Shawn and I to lift when possible. We have to take work off to get them to appointments because of this, and they are only growing more each day.”
Power wheelchairs are also the only thing giving Dusty and Ty any independence as Duchenne progresses in their bodies. “They love to play video games together and have always been very close,” shares Gail. “But, I can’t even take them to the grocery store or do anything on my own without risking our safety. All four of us are in pain from manually lifting… I just can’t wait to see them pull into our vehicle on their own some day.”
After connecting with Jett Foundation through a local Duchenne clinic, the Neal family is now fundraising for a van through the Accessible Vehicle Fund branch of the Jett Giving Fund. The Neal family is aiming to raise half or more of the necessary funds for their accessible vehicle before Jett Foundation covers the remaining expenses and purchases the vehicle outright.
“We also want and need to visit the boys’ grandmother who is hours away. Any help you can give our family would be greatly appreciated.”
The Neal 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.
