“The greatness of a community is most accurately measured by the compassionate actions of its members." – Coretta Scott King

And that greatness was on full display this summer as the Barkoskie family launched an ambitious fundraising campaign to support their son, Will, who has Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD). Duchenne is a genetic muscular disorder that afflicts approximately 15,000 children (primarily boys) in the United States. It is a progressive neuromuscular disease that causes a loss of motor, pulmonary, and cardiac function. While research and developments have increased significantly since his diagnosis, there still are no cures or treatments available to Will. He has used a power chair to navigate since he was seven. He recently received a robotic arm to assist with drinking, eating, opening doors, and other daily living activities, as his arm function has ceased.

 

In April, the Highland Meadows family was notified that they were accepted into the Jett Foundation’s  Accessible Vehicle Fund program. The Jett Foundation is a 501(c)3 nonprofit that provides life-changing services and programs to people affected by Duchenne. The Accessible Vehicle Fund program provides funds to match money raised by the family. The Jett Foundation then helps coordinate the purchase of the new vehicle. Through the program, all contributions are tax-deductible.

 

“Will just started his senior year and is exploring his options for the future. Safe, reliable transportation is a must for Will as he prepares for adulthood and will give him a sense of independence as he plots his next steps,” explains Will’s father, Bill.

 

In addition, the equipment Will requires takes up a lot of room and is very heavy, making a full-size van his safest option. Like everything else related to Will’s needs and care, having a van that is wheelchair accessible is a very expensive modification. The family set a goal of raising $62,500 toward a wheelchair-accessible van, and the Jett Foundation would provide the remaining  $37,500.

 

“When we were accepted into the program, we were completely overwhelmed by the extraordinary blessing for Will, but also overwhelmed by this very ambitious goal,” says Will’s mother, Blake.

 

The family could count on the support of friends and neighbors to help them reach their goal. They announced via social media with a link to their donation page on the Jett Foundation’s website. Proceeds from their yard sale and Will’s sister’s bake sale during the neighborhood’s spring garage sale also went towards the fundraiser. The Barkoskies launched a t-shirt fundraiser and utilized Will’s Career Development class at Timnath Middle High School to print the shirts. A friend from Will’s church youth group created the artwork for the shirt.

 

“I love music, so that was a theme when brainstorming fundraising ideas,” says Will.

 

In June, the family and their friends hosted a “Rockin’ For Willz Wheelz” event at Maxline Brewery. Their friend’s band, Larry & the Pourboys, performed, and there was a silent auction featuring gift certificates and baskets from local businesses and sports tickets. In July, the family hosted “Rollin’ for Willz Wheelz” at Rollerland Skate Center in Fort Collins for families.

 

“I liked that everyone could participate in the skating event. I could go around the rink in my wheelchair,” Will explains.

 

Social media and the fundraising events brought awareness to the donation webpage, which began to be more widely shared. This culminated in the family reaching their goal at the end of July. The family was presented with the van in August and looks forward to having a safe and reliable vehicle to transport Will.

 

“Never in a million years would I have thought we would reach our goal in less than four months. It is a testament to our amazing friends and neighbors who helped us with everything. From planning events to spreading the word and their generous donations, they rallied for Will,” Bill says.