Fundraising for an Accessible Van
Hello from the Simpson family! Their family consists of Andrew (14), Heather (single mother and Andrew’s caregiver), and their three dogs: Moose, Pearl (Bernese Mountain dogs), and Daisy (Border Collie).
“Duchenne has taken away his ability to walk and continues to deteriorate all of the muscle systems that make up our bodies,” says his mom, Heather. The Simpson family is currently in need of a handicap accessible vehicle to allow Andrew to not only get to his weekly physical therapy and other medical appointments, but to allow him to visit his favorite stores, thrift shops, and other locations within the community.
Andrew is an avid collector of Hot Wheels toy cars, enjoys building model cars, and playing with Legos. “He loves to get out and about within the community and has loved going to local car shows in the past,” says Heather.
Heather works in an elementary school as a special education teacher. She helps teach students with special needs and adapts her teaching to each student’s learning style to meet their unique needs. These skills also have helped her advocate for Andrew as his needs have changed and progressed.
“Due to our current restrictions and safety concerns, it takes difficult transfer maneuvers to transition Andrew from our non-accessible car to his wheelchair and back”, says Heather. Andrew and Heather must plan the week ahead so that his appointments come first, which unfortunately will often leave fun events out. Andrew never complains about missing out and is always super positive and thankful for the opportunities to get out of the house when he is able to do so.
The advocate in Heather knows that her nearly 15-year-old son would love to be able to enjoy other outings. She would love to take him to car shows again, allow him to go to his favorite stores, explore thrift shops, and be able to navigate his world.
The Simpson family decided to apply to Jett Foundation’s Accessible Vehicle Fund in hopes of obtaining safe, reliable transportation for Andrew. The Accessible Vehicle Fund is one of two branches of support offered through the Jett Giving Fund; Jett Foundation seeks to partner with families impacted by Duchenne to raise the necessary funds to obtain this essential and vital item.
Heather says, “We are so excited to begin this journey toward having an accessible vehicle through Jett Foundation. Once we achieve raising half the funds, Jett Foundation will cover the remaining cost and help coordinate the purchase and delivery of the vehicle. All donations are tax deductible, and any and all donations are so greatly appreciated as they help us move closer to independence and freedom that Andrew so deserves and looks forward to having.”
Thanks to the support and generosity of the community, the Simpson family has met their goal and received their accessible vehicle! 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.
