My Friend Joseph's Accessible Van
Donation protected
Joseph Penrod is a kind, funny and lovable 14 year-old who has been bravely battling Duchenne muscular dystrophy since he was diagnosed at the age of 5. Duchenne is the most common degenerative muscle disease found in boys. As most kids are growing stronger and gaining independence, boys with Duchenne are rapidly losing muscle function and mobility.
Several years ago, Joseph slowed down and became unable to climb or walk further than a few steps. As his muscle function continued to deteriorate, he would fall without warning as his legs lost their final bits of strength. Last summer, just before turning 13, Joseph completely lost the ability to walk or stand.
My name is Sarah Kenkel and the Penrods, especially Joseph, have always been very near and dear to my heart. For the past couple of months, Joseph has been using a scooter fulltime. Consequently, Joseph’s family lifts Joseph to and from his scooter into and out of their family car multiple times each day. Each time they transport Joseph, they have to disassemble the scooter, place it in the car and reassemble it when they arrive at their destination all which has proven extremely difficult.
As Duchenne has continued to weaken Joseph’s body, it’s now necessary for him to use a power wheelchair fulltime. Unlike his scooter, the power wheelchair must be transported in a specially modified vehicle. As a result, it is now imperative to purchase a special wheelchair accessible vehicle for Joseph.
I hope that you can find it in your heart to donate big or small to my friend Joseph and his family whom are deeply important to me. One day, I hope that together we can find a cure for Duchenne muscular dystrophy!
Thank you!
Several years ago, Joseph slowed down and became unable to climb or walk further than a few steps. As his muscle function continued to deteriorate, he would fall without warning as his legs lost their final bits of strength. Last summer, just before turning 13, Joseph completely lost the ability to walk or stand.
My name is Sarah Kenkel and the Penrods, especially Joseph, have always been very near and dear to my heart. For the past couple of months, Joseph has been using a scooter fulltime. Consequently, Joseph’s family lifts Joseph to and from his scooter into and out of their family car multiple times each day. Each time they transport Joseph, they have to disassemble the scooter, place it in the car and reassemble it when they arrive at their destination all which has proven extremely difficult.
As Duchenne has continued to weaken Joseph’s body, it’s now necessary for him to use a power wheelchair fulltime. Unlike his scooter, the power wheelchair must be transported in a specially modified vehicle. As a result, it is now imperative to purchase a special wheelchair accessible vehicle for Joseph.
I hope that you can find it in your heart to donate big or small to my friend Joseph and his family whom are deeply important to me. One day, I hope that together we can find a cure for Duchenne muscular dystrophy!
Thank you!
Organizer
Sarah Kenkel
Organizer
Waterford Township, MI