Jacob Kennedy

A dedicated fund for Jacob’s essential medical needs, ensuring he has the tools, care, and strength to live life to the absolute fullest.

Fueling Jacob’s Journey: Hope, Strength, and DMD Care

Welcome to Team Jacob! We are so grateful you are here.

Jacob is a bright, fun-loving 9-year-old boy who lives in Michigan with his mom, dad, and his little sister, Lia. Like any 9-year-old, he loves diving into video games and spending time outdoors hunting and fishing. He has a beautiful zest for life, but his daily life looks quite different than that of most kids his age.

When Jacob was just 5 years old, our world changed forever when he was diagnosed with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD). His diagnosis was the result of a completely random genetic mutation; there is absolutely no family or genetic history of DMD on either side of our family.

What is Duchenne? Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy is a progressive, rare genetic disorder that deprives the body of dystrophin, a vital protein needed to keep muscles intact. Over time, this causes continuous muscle weakness and wasting. While it drastically impacts Jacob’s ability to use his legs and arms, Duchenne is a full-body condition that ultimately affects all muscles, including his heart and the muscles used for breathing.

Because of the aggressive nature of DMD, Jacob requires extensive, highly specialized medical care. This includes regular travel to out-of-state specialist appointments, specialized durable medical equipment, home renovations, and the need for an accessible vehicle. Navigating this is a massive undertaking. Jacob is incredibly blessed to have three separate health insurance coverages, but the heartbreaking reality of rare disease care is that insurance very often deems these vital, life-changing necessities as “not covered.”

Why We Need Your Help: A wheelchair accessible van, a stairlift, and ongoing (out-of-state) medical treatments and appointments

At this point in time, the funds raised through will be securely held to go toward an down payment on a wheelchair accessible van, a stairlift, and to help cover our ongoing out-of-state medical travel (as well as the specialized equipment insurance denies).

Thank you

Every single donation, no matter the size, directly fuels Jacob’s journey. You are helping us protect his childhood, preserve his strength, and keep him smiling. If you are unable to donate, please consider sharing Jacob’s story with your friends and family.

Thank you from the bottom of our hearts for supporting Jacob and our entire family.

With hope and strength, The Kennedys