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The Muscular Dystrophy Family Foundation is so grateful to all of our supporters past and present for providing us with funding to be able to give accessible vans to Hoosiers navigating the difficulties of living life with muscular dystrophy and transportation needs. Having an accessible vehicle is highly important for fostering independence and helping individuals and families live life to the fullest.

We are so grateful to partner with Superior Van & Mobility for getting the Rodriguez family their accessible van. Together, we make a tremendous difference to give individuals and families access to transportation.

Below is a Q&A with Katya the Mother:

What was the moment like when you found out that you were getting a van? It was a Saturday morning on July 16th we were preparing lunch, and I was in the kitchen, and the boys, Izael 13th year old, Noah the 10-yr old and Jahaziel, 6-year-old were setting up the table. Dad was on his way home from work. I usually have my phone with me, but for some reason I left it in the living room. We were about to have lunch when suddenly, I heard the tone coming from my cell phone, where a voicemail has been left. I looked at Noah and asked him if he could bring my phone. I saw that the call was from a different area code, and I played the voicemail on the speaker and as soon as Mindy Cameron said, muscular dystrophy, we all gasped and looked at each other.

Immediately we started yelling and running around the table, we even forgot about eating. So, I told the boys to quiet down, since I was getting ready to return the call. As Mindy was telling us that we were the winners, I got very sentimental, and tears came running down. My boys saw the reaction and immediately started jumping around in excitement. I gave her my infinite gratitude and it was a very emotional call. When my husband got home, we all went to surround him and give him the news. He got very happy, and I started crying again. Then we all hugged, wiping our tears as we were laughing and crying at the same time.

My second immediate reaction was calling my mom, sister and 2 brothers to inform them of the news. Mind you, they had no idea about this giveaway. As a family we decided to not tell anyone about it, until we knew for sure if we had made it or not. OMG they were so excited, they were flabbergasted since they had no idea, my sister thought it was a prank, until the boys confirmed it. Then we all celebrated in a video call.

What does having the van mean to you and your family? The van means independence, adventure, security, togetherness, and peace. The van means HOPE, immense assistance not only for the boys but also for us as parents. As parents of 3 boys with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy, a part of the weight on our shoulders was somehow lifted.

What is a fun trip that you have done in your van? What is a fun trip you have planned for the future? We went to the doctor, we made our first drive thru trip, with the boys inside the van with the wheelchairs, we went to our favorite breakfast place, Lakeside Café with Izael using his electric wheelchair, that was very exciting. The lady who works there was amazed how much the boys have grown, she has known them since they were small. Last weekend we went to the mall, Izael was so excited using his electric wheelchair.

We have a lot of places we want to go! The first one will be a road trip to New York, the boys want to see all the Christmas decorations, but I feel it will be cold.

We also want to go camping!!! And make a long road trip to Arizona and California.

What are some of your hobbies/interests? Our hobbies are finding new places to eat, we love to try different food and meet new places. We love to visit old towns and look around. We also love fishing, and I can’t wait for summer 2025. The boys will be more comfortable in their own chairs. Noah is a reader; he started reading The Wings of Fire series and he is in the 7th book. He even got named a Peace leader at his school. Izael loves math, in Elementary he was in a math club. Right now, he plays the trumpet at his Middle School, and in a couple of weeks he will be playing in a concert. With the van he will be able to stay after school, and he has already told all his teachers that we have a van now and he can stay at a club.

What would you tell other families who are looking for hope and help? I would tell them to never lose hope, I could have never imagined in my whole life that the Rodriguez family would be the owner of a van, most importantly a wheelchair access van!!! Sometimes, you must go out there and meet people who are willing to help those in need. All we must do is make that jump, that connection and trust whatever outcome, it’s for a reason. We are extremely grateful for that. Help is out there; all we must do is never lose faith in the hope that someone is out there to help you.

Anything you would like to say to the donors who support MDFF? MDFF is the best! MDFF cares for your needs! MDFF are our angels in disguise. We thank you! And we will be eternally grateful. Muchas Gracias!!!!

Katya: Thank you from the bottom of our hearts, this has meant the world to us, the best year ever 2024. If I was in front of you, I would give you a warm thankful hug as appreciation. If you ever want to try our tamales, I will gladly drive all the way to Indianapolis to personally deliver them.   

Husband Cesar: Never give up, because the angels are always out there.

Jahaziel: Thank you!!

Noah: Thank you so much

Izael: Thank you for the van.

Anything else you want to share?

Starting with Adams Elementary, since day one they have shown the support I could have never imagined. Then The Best Day Ever Foundation and now MDFF!! Without Laura McLinn from The Best Day Ever Foundation this would not have happened.