INCLINE VILLAGE, Nev. – Single mother Anahid Mendez and her 10-year-old son, Jayden, have started a GoFundMe to ask the community for help purchasing a wheelchair-accessible van for Jayden.

Diagnosed with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD) in 2024 at age eight, Jayden can no longer walk and is bound to a wheelchair for mobility. 

As a progressive, genetic neuromuscular disorder, DMD is caused by mutations to the DMD gene, resulting in the dysfunction or absence of the dystrophin protein. Without dystrophin, progressive muscle degeneration and weakness occur, making it difficult, and in some cases, painful, for children to walk, run, or jump.

“Jaden’s a very happy-go-lucky 10-year-old. He doesn’t let his Dystrophy affect him as a person,” Mendez said. “I remember the first time he got his manual wheelchair, he said, ‘Mommy, my legs don’t hurt anymore.'”

Mendez took a job at Incline Village Elementary as an aide to another special needs child so she can be close to her son and assist him while he’s at school. However, due to the size of her 1992 Nissan Sentra, Mendez cannot fit Jayden’s power wheelchair in her car and must leave it at school every day, requiring him to transition to a manual wheelchair while not at school. 

Middle school is fast approaching for Jayden, where he and Mendez will no longer be located within the same vicinity throughout the day. With the help of a wheelchair-accessible van, transportation to and from school, doctors appointments and family outings in Jayden’s power wheelchair would be possible.

“I just want to give him every opportunity to have the independence and freedom he deserves,” said Mendez. 

Mendez has her sights set on a four-wheel-drive Explorer van that can get around safely during winter months. 

As of Friday, October 16, the GoFundMe has raised 25% of its $40,000 goal and stands at $9,678. 

To learn more or to donate, visit https://www.gofundme.com/f/y6aufp-help-jayden-get-a-wheelchairaccessible-van?cp_src=d.