Fundraising for an Accessible Van
The Olsen family of Kingman, Arizona is navigating a journey they never imagined to be real: having a 10-year-old son diagnosed with Duchenne muscular dystrophy, a progressive neuromuscular disorder causing a loss of motor, pulmonary, and cardiac function. Dominic Olsen was diagnosed with Duchenne at six years old and has lost his ability to walk or move independently.
Dominic’s parents, Andrew and Shandi, care for him full-time with help from Dominic’s brother, Chase (15). The family faces delays in their daily travels, including to school and medical appointments, while not having safe or accessible transportation for Dominic and his power wheelchair. Shandi must lift him to get in the car, risking the safety of both herself and Dominic.
Andrew shares, “Most people have never heard of Duchenne and we were in shock during his diagnosis. As hard as it has been for Dominic to stop walking, his weight gain while on steroid medication makes it much more difficult to go anywhere. And since his power wheelchair is the only thing giving him freedom and mobility, it is heartbreaking not to be able to transport that with us.”
Thankfully through advocacy connections in the Duchenne community, the Olsen 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. Now, they can continue to plan days full of family trips and smooth transportation in the near future.
“The day he got his electric wheelchair was the happiest I had ever seen him,” says Andrew. “To be able to keep up with everyone and feel the wind on his face… that was unforgettable. But, that included an additional struggle, which is not being able to transport this heavy equipment or help Shandi as she cares for him every day.”
You can help Dominic and his family attain the freedom and independence they need by contributing toward their fundraising goal below! Your contribution brings this family closer to making countless memories together as well as vital participation at medical appointments.
The Olsen 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.
