Hello I'm Franklin Gillis. I have recently retired from Harborview Satilla Skilled Nursing Facility. My friends and former coworkers are trying to help me raise funds to buy a handicap accessible vehicle for my grandson, Lee, as he suffers from Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy.

Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is a rare genetic disorder thats lead to muscle degeneration due to the alterations of a protein that helps keep muscles intact. There is no cure for DMD and the treatment options are limited to oral steroids to try and help slow the progression. Lee was diagnosed with DMD at the age of 5– this news has been devastating to us but we have maintained positivity and continuously try to help Lee to enjoy every little moment he can.

Lee has grown to be a brilliant young man, but now at the age 9 he has became wheelchair dependent— a moment we knew was coming but never could truly prepare for. Lee’s mobility has drastically declined in the last 6-9 months. He is completely unable to walk at this time. He depends on his mom to maintain all activities of daily living.

Lee’s mom, Kali, has taken a step back from her former job and currently works full time from home as a cookie decorator to allow her to accommodate medical appointments, unexpected illness, and anything Lee needs for his care.

Lee is in need of wheelchair accessible vehicle in the immediate future. Please help us to lighten the financial burden and give Lee the mobility he needs to accommodate his physical needs.

These funds will go directly to bank account set up for Lee's House at First Southern Bank in Waycross, Ga.

Friends of the family will also be announcing other fundraiser options to help with the cost of the vehicle so please be on the look out. We appreciate any and all contributions. We even more so appreciate prayers for Lee to be able to continue enjoying a life that he so much deserves!