At the age of four, Dean Hayes was diagnosed with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD). Prior to October of 2014, his parents, Alan and Alyssa, had never heard of this disease. When they began to research, they were devastated.

DMD affects a person’s muscles over time due to a lack of the protein dystrophin. What this means is that Dean’s legs will eventually lose their ability to function, followed by his arms, then the muscles around his lungs, and finally it will affect his heart. Every single muscle in his body will be attacked. Early on, the only hope they were given was that “boys with DMD are living longer these days...some even into their 30s.” Understandably, that was not a hope that brought them any peace. Alan and Alyssa began praying in earnest that God would take this disease away from their son. They simply wanted it to just go away. However, it hasn’t gone away. And although God has not answered their prayers in the way they have wanted, they have felt his presence and comfort through each painful step.

Dean is now nearing the point where he will be wheelchair bound. In anticipation of this, he has recently received a new motorized wheelchair (complete with flames down the side!!). While this is a huge blessing, the necessity for it has made the arrival of the wheelchair very bittersweet.

Dean’s wheelchair, which he has nicknamed “Firebolt”, is allowing him some much needed independence. However, he is currently only able to enjoy this independence in or around their neighborhood. Alan and Alyssa are unable to transport Dean and his cool chair to other places such as church, school, doctor’s appointments, events, or even out to dinner with the family. Being able to do these things would enable Dean to live his life to the fullest. At this point the Hayes family is in great need of a wheelchair van to give Dean the independence and freedom he so desires.

Unfortunately, wheelchair vans are costly. Very costly! This is where YOU can become part of Dean’s story and bless his life! We have set up this GoFundMe account to help his family buy a specialized wheelchair van. This will allow Dean to participate in activities with his family and friends that he has recently been forced to miss out on. Please join us!

It is an honor to come alongside them and to be able to bless such a special kid!