Fundraising for an Accessible Van
The Rider family’s world shifted in 2016 when Mason, then eight, and Blake, six, were diagnosed with Duchenne muscular dystrophy. Christopher and Stacy Rider, along with their children Cheyenne, Colin, Mason, and Blake, faced the daunting reality of a progressive disease that would significantly impact their boys’ lives.
Mason, now 14, is a vibrant and intellectually curious young man. His family affectionately calls him their “little encyclopedia,” a testament to his impressive knowledge and memory. He loves to travel, fascinated by city skylines, and his social nature draws people to him wherever he goes. Despite the challenges he faces, Mason’s warmth and inclusive spirit shine brightly.
Blake, 12, is a thoughtful and artistic soul. He is on the autism spectrum, and while he may be shy at first, his creative talents are undeniable. He loves to draw, particularly his favorite character, the Demogorgon from Stranger Things, and possesses a remarkable ability to recreate images from memory. Like his brother, Blake enjoys travel and new experiences, especially when it involves exploring different cuisines. The family dreams of taking him to Paris to try world-famous restaurants.
As Mason and Blake’s condition progressed, they transitioned to using power wheelchairs for mobility. The family’s 2016 Chevy Suburban, however, is not equipped to transport these chairs. Relying on manual wheelchairs for outings has become increasingly difficult as the boys now weigh over 90 pounds each. Stacy, who manages most of the transfers, is experiencing significant pain and mobility issues, and even with Christopher’s help, the situation is becoming unsustainable.
“Having the ability to transport their power wheelchairs while they’re still in them will transform their lives for the better!” Stacy says.
The lack of accessible transportation has drastically limited the boys’ social lives. They often choose to stay home rather than endure the discomfort and physical strain of using their manual wheelchairs. Not only is it difficult to maneuver without the use of their custom power wheelchairs, the family also lives in a foothill area that makes using manual wheelchairs very difficult. Simple activities like grocery shopping or trips to the park, once enjoyed by the whole family, are now rare occurrences. The family has even had to resort to renting U-Haul trailers to transport the power chairs for special events, which still requires difficult transfers. The Riders desperately need an accessible vehicle to improve their quality of life. It would allow Mason and Blake to attend their numerous medical appointments safely and comfortably, and most importantly, it would give them back their freedom to participate in community events, travel, and simply enjoy life with their family.
Thankfully, through local disability services and support centers, the Rider family found Jett Foundation’s Jett Giving Fund program where 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 Rider 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:
Donate Today
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.
