In 2020, Jett Foundation expanded the Jett Giving Fund program to assist families experiencing unexpected financial hardship as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. After hearing directly from families in our Duchenne muscular dystrophy community, the Emergency Fund arm of our program was launched providing timely financial assistance for necessities such as groceries, housing assistance, utility expenses or other unforeseen costs.
Experiencing hardship as a result of the pandemic, Amanda Halfrey applied to the Emergency Fund seeking assistance with rent. Amanda lives in Massachusetts with her mother, sister, and sons, Chase (22) and Spencer (13). Her son Spencer is impacted by Duchenne.
The Halfrey family loves nothing more than to spend time together in their apartment, but the importance of a place to call “home” took on new meaning during the global health crisis. For families impacted by Duchenne and other rare diseases, a safe place to call home was not only important, but critical.
“The assistance we received from the Jett Emergency Fund helped us retain our apartment,” says Amanda. “I didn’t know how I was going to come up with the rent for the month… I had just come off of unemployment. It truly saved my family from homelessness at a very rough time in all our lives.”
Amanda’s advice to those in the Duchenne community who are looking for assistance is to not be afraid to ask for help sometimes. “Jett Foundation’s programs truly make a difference and have provided my family with support during both good times, and the more challenging times.”
“Through the Patriots training camp day held by Jett, Spencer was able to meet his hero, Tom Brady, on a few occasions. That put a smile on his face that will last him a lifetime.”
You can help us to support more families! Donate today or learn more about becoming a sponsor of our direct service programs by emailing maura@jettfoundation.org.
The Emergency Fund is an extension of Jett Foundation’s Jett Giving Fund. Established in 2017, Jett Giving Fund has helped transform the lives of countless families across the country with over $1.8 million worth of accessible equipment and emergency assistance thanks to the generous support of individual donors, local communities, and major sponsors including Cure Dale’s Duchenne, Sarepta Therapeutics, FibroGen, the Flatley Foundation, and the Killian Family.
To learn more about the Emergency Fund and to read frequently asked questions related to our Jett Giving Fund program, please read more here.
