William Barkoskie, a 17-year-old from Windsor, Colorado, was diagnosed with Duchenne muscular dystrophy at just two years old. Duchenne is a progressive neuromuscular disorder that causes a loss of motor, pulmonary, and cardiac function. With the loss of motor function and the ability to walk over time, Will requires a power wheelchair to get around.
Will’s parents, Blake and Bill, lovingly care for him while his younger sisters, Caroline and Olivia, offer unwavering sibling support. As the children grow and the disease requires more care and equipment, getting Will to medical appointments, school, church, and daily activities is increasingly difficult for the family. Leaving the home in their old vehicle was a safety risk for both Will and his family.
Luckily, the Barkoskie Family connected with Jett Foundation through Camp Promise, an overnight camp and year-round program for kids, teens, and adults with Duchenne and other neuromuscular disorders. As participants in Jett Foundation’s Accessible Vehicle Fund branch of the Jett Giving Fund, the Barkoskie Family raised half of the funds needed for their accessible vehicle before Jett Foundation covered the remaining costs and purchased the vehicle outright.
The Barkoskie family celebrated the delivery of new accessible transportation on August 17, 2024 with family. Their accessible transit van features a rear entry lift for Will and room for seats for Caroline and Olivia. This van gives the Barkoskie family peace of mind while traveling to daily activities as it holds all necessary equipment features to keep Will safe in his power wheelchair.
“With our new van, we are looking forward to creating memories and living our best life, regardless of the impacts of Duchenne,” says the family. “Will graduates high school next year and hopes to begin his career working with animals after attending community college. The Jett Giving Fund is an opportunity to set up Will for his future. Having accessible and reliable transportation will afford him a greater sense of independence and allow him access to explore life as he deserves.”
The Barkoskie family also shared advice to other families facing similar situations: “It can be intimidating to raise such a large amount of money and ask for help, but lean into your community. You’ll be surprised how people step up! Our community possesses a tremendous amount of knowledge and experience. There are lots of ways to connect with others in the DMD community. Find your people!”
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 equipment, 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.
