The Reddings are a blended family of five living in Texas and impacted by Duchenne muscular dystrophy. Darren Redding (14) has lived with Duchenne since the age of five. He shares a home with his mother Amanda, sister Aliyah, step-dad Mario, step-brother Sandro, and their cat Linda.
“The greatest challenge we have experienced is everyday transfers,” says Amanda. “As a family, traveling was a big obstacle because Darren is not comfortable and transferring him to the car by lifting is difficult. The seat in the car is not designed for his body so he needs his power wheelchair, but we were not able to safely bring him in it anywhere.”
Amanda has experienced all of the challenges and positives that Duchenne can bring, as she grew up with two brothers who lived with Duchenne muscular dystrophy. She says, “I assisted my parents and observed the ‘ups and downs’ while they cared for Warren and Ryan, unwittingly knowing this would prepare me for when I had my first child, Darren.”
The Redding family has connected with Jett Foundation through Facebook groups and Camp Promise, which exposed them to the Jett Giving Fund program for when it was time to apply. Amanda also spoke during a Parent Perspective presentation at Jett Foundation’s 2022 Family Workshop in Dallas, TX. View a recording of Amanda sharing her story here.
Jett Foundation’s Jett Giving Fund offers families financial assistance through two main branches of support: The Accessible Vehicle Fund helps families obtain safe, accessible transportation; families raise half the funds needed or more for their vehicle and Jett Foundation covers the remaining costs. The Emergency Fund provides grants to families facing unexpected, emergency situations.
On January 10, 2023, the Redding family received their new, safe and accessible vehicle. “When we first saw the vehicle, we were ecstatic and our lives were changed at that very moment,” says Amanda. “Driving the van for the first time felt unreal and seeing Darren’s smile and excitement was everything to us. We will now be able to travel further as a family and give Darren comfort and freedom.”
For other families impacted by Duchenne, Amanda shares: “Never hesitate to ask for support and know that Jett Foundation is here for you every step of the way. There is also a community of Duchenne families always willing to give you a helping hand!”
The Jett Giving Fund program would not be possible without our dedicated partners in the community such as the Killian Family. “We are proud to support Jett Foundation in partnering with families to raise funds needed for these accessible vehicles,” says John Killian. “The Jett Giving Fund reaches many families each year and we feel honored to offer support to this organization on behalf of it.”
Established in 2017, the Jett Giving Fund has helped transform the lives of countless families across the country with over $3.5 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, Fibrogen, the Flatley Foundation, the Killian Family, Michael’s Cause, Ryan’s Quest, and Sarepta Therapeutics.
You can help us to support more families through the two branches of Jett Giving Fund: the Accessible Vehicle Fund and the Emergency Fund. Donate today or learn more about becoming a sponsor by emailing info@jettfoundation.org.
If you or someone you know is in need of support or would like more information on our Jett Giving Fund, please visit https://www.jettfoundation.org/giving-fund/.
