Support the D’Aquinos - Kaitlyn’s Health Journey with MD

The D’Aquinos are the most giving, selfless, hard-working, and loving people you could meet, and now they need our help. They would never ask for help on their own, so I’m creating this fundraiser for them.

Jillian and Matt have gone above and beyond to provide for all of their children. For those who don’t know, Kaitlyn has a medical diagnosis of Muscular Dystrophy, which impacts all voluntary and involuntary muscles in her body. She has had a decline in her function and independence over the past year, and has now been fitted for a power wheelchair, as she can no longer walk nor propel her own manual wheelchair. Muscular dystrophy is degenerative, so she will continue to experience a functional decline and will require increased support.

Kaitlyn is currently hospitalized and on a ventilator. Viral infections that may make us sick for a few days are detrimental for her. We are praying that she is able to recover and come off of the ventilator, but it is all one day at a time.

When Kaitlyn is discharged, the amount of support she needs will be significant and very expensive. Some things are covered with Medicaid, but many are not.

Below are examples of upcoming expenses the D’Aquinos will have.

- Kaitlyn’s new power wheelchair does not physically fit into their bathroom. They will have to do an entire bathroom renovation.

- The power wheelchair cannot be loaded into their vehicle - they will have to have a trailer or a handicap accessible vehicle.

- Renovations to Kaitlyn’s room to allow for accessibility with her power wheelchair and all additional medical equipment.

- Jillian is not able to work as she was planning to do, due to Kaitlyn’s vast medical needs. This will be financially quite difficult.

- Significant gas costs to and from UVA

- Medical appointments with Shriner’s

- Medical equipment such as external ventilators, overnight pulse ox monitors, transfer support devices, etc that are often not covered by insurance.

The expenses that Jillian and Matt will continue to have are vast, and will continue to increase. They are such a wonderful family and given so much to our community. Let’s show them the same support and provide in any way we can. If you cannot contribute financially, please pray for Kaitlyn’s health and the health and well-being of the whole family.