Jacob&Benjamin Special Needs Fund

"JAKE AND BEN" HAVE MANY SPECIAL NEEDS...AND
NEED YOUR HELP!

To our family, friends and all who may wish to help Jacob and Benjamin Swomiak. Jake and Ben suffer from Duchenne, Muscular Dystrophy (DMD), the most common lethal childhood disorder that strikes one in every 3,500 boys worldwide (girls are usually carriers). Roughly 35% of all cases occur in families with no previous history of DMD, so it can happen in any family.

Because their young bodies cannot produce the protein "Dystrophin", they are unable to protect their muscle cells and over time their muscles waste away. DMD is generally diagnosed at approx. 4-5 years of age and by 10-12 most boys require the use of a wheelchair. As DMD progresses it affects the heart and respiratory system and other muscles throughout their body. Research has given us hope but at this time there continues to be no cure and most boys lose their battle with the disorder in early adulthood.

Jake is 14 and has been in a wheelchair since just before he was 11. Ben is now 11 and is still able to walk but with greater difficulty. He has lost his ability to climb or walk down stairs. He now depends on a special needs stroller for longer walks, when shopping and going to school.

Their mother, who raises the boys alone, currently lives with her parents. They help as much as they can but are unable to shoulder the significant financial burdens of this disorder.

The family purchased a special needs mobility van by taking a significant loan which has recently been paid off. They have also installed a handicap bathroom facility and a stair/chair lift. Other purchases of special needs equipment, services etc. will be necessary to meet the boys ongoing mobility and medical needs. Many of these expenses are not covered by their insurance. Therefore, we are asking everyone to kindly consider a gift to help the boys obtain the things they need.

If you would like to make a monetary gift online please click on the "Make a Donation" tab. If you would like to mail your gift by check please send to the: Jacob & Benjamin Special Needs Fund, P.O. Box 67, Millstone Township, NJ 08510. (This is not a tax deductible gift.)

Thank you for visiting our website. Please take the time to register (click on register tab) so that we may update you on the progress of the boys and any upcoming fundraising events we will be holding.