In the summer of 2024, we had the opportunity to visit the home of the Beebe family and spend some time with mom, Jennifer, and her four children (Ellyn, Caleb, Amelia, and Isaac), and Caleb’s service dog, Brody. The boys were ecstatic to show us around the property, which includes a paved trail, and other fun activities built by their dad, Rob. These little things provide outdoor space for the whole family to enjoy together but are even more special to Caleb and Isaac.

Both Caleb and Isaac have been diagnosed with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy, a degenerative, progressive muscle disease that affects all muscles in the body, including the heart, and greatly affects the respiratory system. They have each lost their ability to walk, requiring the use of wheelchairs full-time and the need for assistance in many areas of life.

“When Caleb was younger, we noticed that he had trouble running, and it appeared that he was just slow to gain coordination. We went in for a routine check-up with our pediatrician in July 2015. He noticed the enlarged calf muscles that Caleb had, a common symptom of the disease, and he suggested we do some tests. The results came back, and we were devastated. At that point, I had heard about muscular dystrophy but had no idea about how the disease would progress. Even though it is still a very difficult journey, we see God working in so many ways and are trusting Him with everything. We want to live each day to the fullest, and we love when we can provide opportunities for the boys to just live life, sharedJennifer Beebe

As Caleb lost his independence, they knew he would need more assistance and began researching various organizations to get a service dog for him. A service dog would provide Caleb with companionship and allow him to be more calm, confident, and safe in different environments. After researching, Jennifer found a company in Rock Island, Tenn. – Loyal Companions, Inc., and they matched the Beebes with Brody.

Brody was trained for over a year to be the best companion for the Beebes. He learned basic obedience commands, tasks specific to Caleb’s (and Isaac’s) needs, and training with the family. Some of the tasks he learned to do with Caleb are alert for help, pick up and carry objects, and open and close doors.

In 2023, the Bebees connected with Beth Koffman, one of our staff, at a local charity event. They shared details about their efforts to raise funds for a service dog to help Caleb. Through grant funding at the Community Foundation, we were able to help the Beebes with the final payment and bring Brody home.

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“The Community Foundation’s support meant that we were able to add a member to our family. We were so encouraged that others wanted to help meet a need. The support helps you feel like you are not alone in what you are facing. We were so blessed to receive help and prayers from so many friends and family, and the Community Foundation was a huge part of that.," shared the Beebe family.

Meeting Brody and seeing how he supported Caleb and Isaac in their home was inspiring. We asked the Beebes to tell us about a special moment with Brody, and they remembered the day he was brought home.

“When the trainer delivered Brody to our house, it was January, and we had snow on the ground. Caleb took Brody outside to potty, but the wheel of his wheelchair slid off the sidewalk and into the mud. Caleb was stuck. He was able to have Brody alert for help to let us know that something was wrong," shared Jennifer Beebe.

Brody’s presence gives Caleb greater independence and safety. We are proud to help the Beebes with this part of their journey.

Whether it is a family in need of help with something specific like the Beebes or a patient needing support with medications, our wide variety of funds allow us to support different causes and individuals in the community. Individual assistance is a critical piece of our mission, and we take pride in the ways we are able to impact our friends and neighbors across West Tennessee.

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Community Impact Fund

A vital piece of our mission at the Community Foundation of West Tennessee is the annual funds we provide to assist individuals in need. Whether we are helping a cancer patient with paying a utility bill to keep their electricity during the winter or providing emergency assistance to a family who has lost their home due to a fire, we step in to support our friends and neighbors across the community. Invest in West Tennessee by donating to our Community Impact Fund.

We are celebrating 40 years of impact! Checkout our 40th anniversary page to see more stories of impact from the last four decades.