Fundraising for an Accessible Van
Carlito is a young man from Roanoke, Virginia. He is the oldest of four children. His family describes him as sweet, genuine, and bright. He loves all Marvel characters, movies, and talking about weather.
Carlito was diagnosed with Duchenne muscular dystrophy right before his third birthday, but he has not let that slow him down. “We did not tell him about DMD because we wanted him to do the best that he can. As things became more difficult for him, he was given an explanation of what was going on with his body,” said his mom Darnita.
Carlito’s family noticed he struggled to keep up with his siblings when outside. He often has to sit outside in his chair and watch everyone play due to his chair being unsafe for various terrains. He cannot roll in the grass, go over uneven surfaces, or go at faster paces. Carlito is in the process of getting a motorized chair which will allow him to become more independent and keep up not only with his siblings, but his peers at school.
“With Carlito getting a bigger chair, he will gain more independence, but he will lose a lot because I won’t be able to transport him anymore. His body already tells him ‘no.’ The last thing that I want to do is tell him that I can’t transport him,” said Darnita.
Darnita initially came across the Accessible Vehicle Fund several years ago through a Duchenne support group on Facebook. She applied in hopes of obtaining safe, reliable transportation for Carlito. The Accessible Vehicle Fund is one of two branches of support offered through the Jett Giving Fund; Jett Foundation partners with families impacted by Duchenne to raise the necessary funds to obtain this essential and vital item.
For the family, a new van means being able to do more things together. Being able to transfer his new chair into an accessible van would give Carlito more independence. Carlito will have the freedom to go to doctor’s appointments, the mall, restaurants, and social events, including church with his friends and family.
Thanks to the support and generosity of the community, the Jacobus family has met their goal and will be getting their accessible vehicle soon! To help support more families like them, please consider a gift to Jett Foundation at https://www.jettfoundation.org/donate/.
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.
