The Hembree family of Phoenix, Arizona has navigated through challenges brought by Duchenne muscular dystrophy for many years. Cole Hembree (11) was diagnosed with Duchenne at a young age, ultimately losing his ability to walk. Duchenne is a progressive neuromuscular disorder that causes a loss of motor, pulmonary, and cardiac function.
One of the family’s many barriers to a more comfortable and accessible life was transportation. Due to Cole growing in size and needing heavy medical equipment, it became difficult and unsafe for his mother, Crysta, to lift him in and out of the house. The family has not been able to attend necessary medical appointments for Cole and often struggled to leave the house altogether.
“I relied on Lyft or public transportation to go to the store, and Cole couldn’t come with me at all,” shares Crysta. “I also had to plan his medical appointments far in advance to make sure we could get there.”
During very desperate times, the family found Jett Foundation and our Accessible Vehicle Fund branch of the Jett Giving Fund. As participants in the Accessible Vehicle Fund, the Hembree family raised half of the funds needed for their accessible vehicle before Jett Foundation stepped in to cover the remaining costs and purchase the vehicle outright.
Cole and Crysta celebrated the delivery of their safe and accessible van on August 13, 2024. They were surrounded by their closest family and friends to complete what was a very beautiful day in Phoenix.
Crysta shares, “I am so thankful we can now give Cole a more normal life that includes trips to the store, camping, and road trips. We are very grateful for the community who helped us fundraise and for those who help other families in similar situations.”
The Jett Giving Fund program has helped transform the lives of countless families across the country since its inaugural cycle in 2017, gifting over $4.5 million worth of accessible vehicles, small medical equipment, and emergency assistance thanks to the generous support of individual donors, local communities, and major sponsors including Cure Dale’s Duchenne, Finn’s Friends, the Flatley Foundation , the Killian Family, Catalyst Pharmaceuticals, Kindness Over Muscular Dystrophy, Michael’s Cause, Ryan’s Quest, PJ’s Protocol, and Sarepta Therapeutics.
To assist families impacted by Duchenne through the Accessible Vehicle Fund, Emergency Fund, and Equipment Assistance Fund, you can donate today or reach out to Maura Carroll, Director of Development, at [email protected] to learn more about sponsorship opportunities.
If you or someone you know is in need of support or would like more information on our Jett Giving Fund, please visit www.jettfoundation.org/giving-fund.
