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.
Thanks to the generosity of donors and their community, the Barkoskie Family has received their accessible vehicle!
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.
