The Billingsley Family, Cleveland, OH
2006 2nd Annual Cleveland Event Recipient
Jimmy Billingsley was a very bright energetic boy who sometimes wondered and asked why he couldn't be like his peers. Jimmy’s parents, Jeff and Jean Billingsley, first noticed he was different during his developmental stages when he could not crawl, and did not start walking until he was 20 months old. Even when he started walking, it was very shaky; Jimmy could not run and jump like the other kids and he had unusually large calves.
In September 2001, the family visited a neurologist who informed them that Jimmy had Muscular Dystrophy, Duchenne. Jimmy’s parents were devastated to learn that this was the most severe form of MD, and Jimmy’s life expectancy might only be into his late teens or early 20's. Since his diagnosis, Jimmy’s health has declined rapidly and he was confined to a wheelchair in August of 2004.
Jimmy was truly an incredible kid, and served as an Ambassador for the MD Muscle Gala in Cleveland in March 2006. Jean and Jeff were active in the PTA and fundraised for a handicap accessible playground in their community.
Betterment's support through this event went to help Jimmy maintain some of his independence. Each day, his parents had to help him use the bathroom, shower, and get dressed. We were able to help make Jimmy’s bathroom accessible for him to use by himself, like other kids his age.
In September 2001, the family visited a neurologist who informed them that Jimmy had Muscular Dystrophy, Duchenne. Jimmy’s parents were devastated to learn that this was the most severe form of MD, and Jimmy’s life expectancy might only be into his late teens or early 20's. Since his diagnosis, Jimmy’s health has declined rapidly and he was confined to a wheelchair in August of 2004.
Jimmy was truly an incredible kid, and served as an Ambassador for the MD Muscle Gala in Cleveland in March 2006. Jean and Jeff were active in the PTA and fundraised for a handicap accessible playground in their community.
Betterment's support through this event went to help Jimmy maintain some of his independence. Each day, his parents had to help him use the bathroom, shower, and get dressed. We were able to help make Jimmy’s bathroom accessible for him to use by himself, like other kids his age.
