Two years ago, Kaiden was diagnosed with Duchenne muscular dystrophy, a rare genetic condition mostly affecting boys that causes progressive muscle weakness and has no cure.
In July this year, the disease robbed Kaiden of the ability to walk. He now uses a 200kg power wheelchair and relies on his mum, Maddison, for most everyday activities.
Daily transport difficulties
With his wheelchair requiring specialised transport to travel safely, getting to medical appointments, physiotherapy sessions and education support classes has been a daily struggle.
Until now, Maddison and Kaiden have relied heavily on costly, time-consuming taxi trips.
Maddison has applied for National Disability Insurance Scheme funding to modify the family’s vehicle with a powered ramp, but even with approval the upgrade could take up to a year to complete.
Working with Wheels for Hope
Recognising the urgent need, Wheels for Hope - with support from MinRes and Telethon - stepped in to help.
Maddison was recently handed the keys to a wheelchair-accessible van that allows Kaiden to roll in and park securely in his chair for the journey, giving mother and son a measure of freedom they had lost.
Maddison expressed the significance of what the vehicle means to her and Kaiden.
“This van has lifted some of the weight off our shoulders. It means I can focus on looking after Kaiden rather than worrying how we'll get to the next appointment or class," Maddison said.
"It’s not just a vehicle – it’s a lifeline that’s helping us reclaim our independence.”
Wheels for Hope Chairman David Fraser said the positive impact of the vans is clear.
"We see first-hand how vital accessible transport is for families caring for a child with a disability," David said.
"Thanks to MinRes and Telethon’s support, we were able to respond to Maddison’s situation quickly rather than having her wait many months for a vehicle modification.
“Partnerships like this show the power of a community working together and the profound, immediate difference it can make for families like Kaiden’s.”
MinRes' ongoing support
Kariden's Wheels for Hope van is one of two recently purchased with the support of MinRes’ contributions to Telethon.
Wheels for Hope provides families of children living with a disability access to a fleet of insured, licensed and fully serviced wheelchair-accessible vehicles.
In 2025, MinRes' $2 million contribution proudly took Western Australian company’s total Telethon contributions to $16.5 million over the past 10 years.
MinRes Director People Andrea Chapman has met with many of the company’s beneficiaries and has seen the impact firsthand.
“Partnering with Telethon allows us to support incredible Western Australian charities that are helping local families through some of the most challenging times in their lives.," Andrea said.
“Wheels for Hope is one of those organisations making a tangible difference every day. MinRes is committed to turning our support into real outcomes - whether that’s providing the gift of mobility or helping children live with the best possible quality of life.”
Learn more about Social Investment at MinRes.
