Barkoskie Family

Raising Funds for an Accessible Van

The Barkoskie Family lives in Fort Collins, Colorado, and faces the challenges of living with a Duchenne muscular dystrophy diagnosis each day. Will Barkoskie, who turns 17 in May, was diagnosed with Duchenne at two years old. Duchenne is a progressive neuromuscular disorder that causes a loss of motor, pulmonary, and cardiac function.

Will’s parents, Blake and Bill, lovingly care for him, while his younger sisters, Caroline and Olivia, offer unwavering sibling support. As the children grow and the disease requires more care and equipment, getting Will to medical appointments, school, church, and daily activities becomes increasingly difficult for the family.

“Will uses a power chair full time and we have to find a way to transport him, his chair and our daughters safely and comfortably,” shares Blake. “We need a van that can handle Colorado weather, fit our family, and ensure Will continues to receive great care in Denver.”

The Barkoskie family prioritizes giving Will the tools and support he needs to thrive as he approaches adulthood. Will graduates high school next year and hopes to begin his career working with animals after attending community college. Bill says, “The Jett Giving Fund is an opportunity to set up Will for his future. Having accessible and reliable transportation will afford him a greater sense of independence and allow him access to explore life as he deserves.”

The Barkoskie Family connected with Jett Foundation through Camp Promise, an overnight camp and year-round program for kids, teens, and adults with Duchenne and other neuromuscular disorders. As participants in Jett Foundation’s Accessible Vehicle Fund branch of the Jett Giving Fund, the Barkoskie Family will aim to raise half or more of the funds needed for their accessible vehicle before Jett Foundation steps in to cover the remaining costs and purchase the vehicle outright.

You can help Will 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.

Support the Barkoskie Family with a donation today!

 

About Jett Giving Fund’s Accessible Vehicle Fund

Jett Giving Fund is Jett Foundation’s financial assistance program for families impacted by Duchenne muscular dystrophy who are in need of accessible vehicles or emergency support. As part of the Accessible Vehicle Fund, families fundraise half the funds needed or more for an accessible vehicle, and Jett Foundation covers the remaining costs once they reach their goal. 

If other resources have already been used to meet a specific need, if there is no longer a specific need, and/or if donations have been received in excess of a specific need, donations made in furtherance of a specific need will be applied for general purposes of the Jett Giving Fund. If the Jett Giving Fund no longer exists, all donations will be applied to further the general charitable mission of Jett Foundation.

How is the rare disease community accomplishing goals?

Tune in on February 29 to hear from our panel and moderators on how they are accomplishing goals and living life to the fullest!

Your gift helps Jett Foundation provide programming and opportunities, such as Camp Promise, to many families impacted by Duchenne muscular dystrophy each year.

Accessible Vehicle Fund Applications Open