Wheels For Jackson

Jackson’s Story

Jackson is similar to most little boys his age – he loves dinosaurs (as featured on his birthday cake), sharks and sea creatures, fast cars, fire trucks and police cars, nature and the outdoors, and although he may not admit it sometimes, his big sister too. To look at this beautiful boy and his big wonderous eyes, he really is no different than any other little child. In fact, he reminds me a lot of my own child.

In May 2024, 7-year-old Jackson was diagnosed with a rare and degenerative form of Muscular Dystrophy called Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD) after some routine tests were conducted for an unrelated matter. This diagnosis came as a complete shock to his mum, Megan, and the rest of his family who soon came to realise the devastating life impact this would have on Jackson and their entire family.

What is DMD and how will it impact Jackson and his family?

Children with DMD develop slowly, reach milestones in a limited capacity or not at all and have a retainment of skills until they reach a point of degeneration with loss of independent mobility.

Beginning with impact to gait, ability to go up and down stairs, getting down to and up from the ground and lastly being able to walk - first tiring easily until degeneration of muscle cells results in becoming non-ambulatory (unable towalk). The life expectancy of these children is also significantly reduced.

DMD is a Neuromuscular disorder which also impacts social and emotional skills, greatly impacts breathing and cardiac function, and cognitive/memory function can also be impaired, which is already the case for young Jack. The impact of memory loss has already impaired his ability to keep up with his peers academically and socially.

Jack’s family have already noticed how much his little body is already tiring from this disease, with him often needing to go to bed immediately after school. Within the next 12-18 months young Jack will need to transfer permanently into a powerchair to allow him to get around, go to school, attend appointments and be an active member of the community. 

DMD is usually diagnosed in children between the ages of 2 to 5 years, allowing parents and caregivers a chance to prepare appropriately for when the child becomes non-ambulatory. In Jackson’s case the late diagnosis was bittersweet, on one hand living a “normal” life with Jack in his early years blissfully ignorant of his disease, and now suddenly having relatively little time to sufficiently prepare for his suddenly increasing needs.

What does Jack need?

Although there are many things that are required to assist Jack and his family in this time of transition, the most significant and life changing thing needed is a new car, which can be converted to accommodate Jack’s powerchair.

Jack’s family currently have a small hatchback which they use as the family car. Although not ideal they are still currently able to get Jack to and from school and his appointments, although the boot is completely taken over by his temporary folding wheel chair, something he is needing to use more frequently, and will soon outgrow.

Once Jack transitions to a powerchair, the logistics of getting him to and from places will require an upgrade to the family car. NDIS funding is available for the conversion of a suitable vehicle, which will allow easy access in and out of the vehicle for Jack and those caring for him, however, the funding of the vehicle itself is not covered by NDIS. Making things somewhat more difficult, the vehicle to be converted must be no more than 5 years old...

Unfortunately with Jack’s family having to reduce working hours to accommodate his increasing medical needs, the family do not have the capacity to afford this. This has placed increased stress on the family who are doing everything they can to improve the quality of life for Jack.

A car that can be modified will ensure a sense of freedom and autonomy for Jack that will hugely benefit his emotional and psychological wellbeing, now and into the future, by being able to easily access services and experiences within his world and interests.

How can you help Jack?

The gift of Freedom

Jack’s beautiful family have always given freely to their community, initiating one of the first online gifting pages in their local Adelaide Hills area, and always supporting those in need. Megan’s dedication to her children, and the utter strength she has shown advocating for Jack since his diagnosis is inspirational.

Megan and her family have always given generously to me and my children, and I have never known Megan to ask for anything, in fact she only allowed me to put this GoFundMe together because I reminded her that this is for Jack. I know that if this were me going through this with one of my children, that Megan would be one of the first people to offer her help.

Let us all come together and help this family reach their financial goal and get wheels for Jack!

Donate Now!

Every single dollar is one step closer to helping Jack, no donation is too small! Every single donation is immensely appreciated and will help Jack live his best life, now and into the future.

Share!

Please, donate what you can and then share, share, share so as many people as possible are given the chance to help this darling little boy gain his freedom. If you are unable to contribute financially, the next best support is sharing with friends, family, work colleagues and community groups.

On behalf of Jack and his family – Thank You.