How to support family's wish for wheelchairs for young sons with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy

The Enquirer and United Way of Greater Cincinnati are collaborating for the 39th year on the Wish List program, supporting families in need. While granted wishes bring immediate joy, leftover funds continue to assist others with similar needs throughout the year. This story is the third in a series of eight.

The Bennett household is full of energy, laughter, and love. Mariesa and Chris talk warmly about their three sons: Aaron, 10; Owen, 6; and Tyson, 3. Their home is a mix of playful chaos and family-centered strength, grounded in faith and resilience.

Three years ago, the family faced a life-altering diagnosis. Doctors at Cincinnati Childrens confirmed that both Aaron and Owen have Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy, a rare condition that gradually weakens muscles. It was overwhelming at first, Mariesa recalled. I had never heard of Duchenne before.

The shock was profound, but it strengthened the familys determination. You go through all stages of grief, Chris said. But our mission hasnt changed: to raise remarkable individuals.

Now, the Bennetts are hoping for electric wheelchairs for Aaron and Owen. Their life in Cincinnati, where they relocated 13 years ago for work, reflects their dedication and love. Each child has a distinct personality: Aaron is thoughtful and responsible, Owen is a free spirit who enjoys helping, especially in the kitchen, and Tyson brings humor and energy to the home.

Daily life requires planning and patience. Medications, mobility aids, and accessibility considerations make outings challenging, yet the family focuses on what they can do rather than limitations. We continue to go out, Mariesa said. Movies, family trips we make memories, take photos, and talk about them. Chris added, Choosing joy is a conscious daily decision.

This positive outlook led them to the Wish List program. With support from their pastor and Lincoln Heights Outreach Inc., the Bennetts requested two airline-compliant electric travel wheelchairs. These devices would allow Aaron and Owen to travel safely to appointments, family events, and new experiences. Owen gets excited just thinking about it, Mariesa shared. Every day he asks, Do I have my wheelchair yet?

For Chris, the wish represents more than convenience. We want our boys to explore the world without barriers, he said. We dont want mobility limitations to hold them back.

Although extended family lives out of state, the Bennetts rely on a strong support network from their church and Parent Project Muscular Dystrophy. Its comforting to know were not alone, Mariesa said. Their faith community provides encouragement, meals, and prayers.

The Bennetts also give back, with Chris serving as a church trustee and participating on local nonprofit boards. Every act of service matters, he said. It all comes back around.

Looking ahead, the parents aim to raise independent and responsible children. I dont coddle them, Mariesa said. They have responsibilities like any other kids. Chris added, We expect them to grow into young men who give back, because weve been given so much.

Donations to support Aaron and Owens wish can be made online at www.uwgc.org/wishlist or by mail to: United Way of Greater Cincinnati, Attn: Wish List Pledge Processing, P.O. Box 632840, Cincinnati, OH 45263-2840. Include Wish List in the memo line of checks.

Analysis: The Power of Community and Support in Overcoming Challenges

The Bennett family’s story is a testament to resilience, faith, and the strength of community support. Despite the overwhelming diagnosis of Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy for their sons, Aaron and Owen, the Bennetts have maintained a positive outlook, determined to focus on what they can do, not what they can't. Their commitment to raising responsible, independent children, despite the challenges they face daily, exemplifies the power of love and dedication in the face of adversity.

The Wish List program, now in its 39th year, plays a pivotal role in providing not just immediate relief but also long-term support for families in need. By fulfilling wishes such as the electric wheelchairs for Aaron and Owen, the program does more than offer a moment of joy—it helps ease the daily struggles that many families face. The continued support from local churches, nonprofit organizations, and individuals who donate make a lasting impact, creating a ripple effect of kindness that supports families throughout the year.

In the case of the Bennetts, these electric wheelchairs will allow their sons to travel more easily and participate in life experiences that would otherwise be difficult. This is not just about convenience, as Chris Bennett highlights, but about removing barriers to their children’s experiences and ensuring they are not held back by their condition. The wish for mobility aids reflects a broader desire for inclusivity and independence, something many families with children facing health challenges strive to achieve.

Furthermore, the Bennetts’ commitment to giving back to their community—through Chris's involvement in local nonprofits and their church—demonstrates the cyclical nature of generosity. It reinforces the idea that every act of service, no matter how small, contributes to a stronger, more supportive network for everyone. Their actions reflect the ongoing need for collaboration, both on a personal level and within broader communities, to address the ongoing challenges that families like theirs face.

The Bennetts' journey serves as a reminder of the importance of support systems, community involvement, and a positive outlook when facing life’s most difficult moments. Their story is one of strength, not just in the face of illness, but in the face of life's daily struggles. With the help of programs like the Wish List and the generosity of donors, the Bennetts are able to continue raising their children with the hope that, despite the challenges ahead, their family will always remain strong, united, and filled with love.

Sources:

• Family wishes for wheelchairs for young sons with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy. How to help