Raising Funds for an Accessible Van
Cory Stalling (23) is from Missoula, Montana, and is currently navigating a life with a Duchenne muscular dystrophy diagnosis. His parents, Christine and David, live nearby and assist Cory when needed. Duchenne is a progressive neuromuscular disorder that causes a loss of motor, pulmonary, and cardiac function.
Cory has lived with roommates in an apartment for four years at the University of Montana, living independently with obstacles that come with Duchenne muscular dystrophy. He majors in Environmental Studies. “It can be difficult to adjust to things without my parents at school, but I have people who can help when I need it,” says Cory. He most enjoys trying new coffee shops, attending school events, and being outdoors. Cory identifies himself as a “foodie” who loves to cook and try new dishes as well as write poetry.
A major challenge for Cory as he navigates an independent life is transportation. The Stalling Family does not have an appropriate vehicle to rely on for visiting each other, attending medical appointments, or transporting Cory during daily activities. Currently, Cory’s parents must lift him in and out of their car then take apart his manual wheelchair to fit into their vehicle, which is not safe as his power chair provides more stability and independence.
Cory shares, “I am often late to appointments or have to reschedule them because I don’t have the correct transportation. School is also very important to me, so having a safe way of getting to and from campus would help my family a lot.”
As participants in Jett Foundation’s Accessible Vehicle Fund branch of the Jett Giving Fund, the Stalling 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.
The Stalling 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.
