Jambalaya fundraiser planned to fund adaptive van for W&J grad
JJambalaya fundraiser planned to fund adaptive van for W&J grad
Living with muscular dystrophy since she was diagnosed at 5 months old, Kendle Haught has found ways to adapt, overcome, and embrace life.
But Haught, a 2024 graduate of Washington & Jefferson College with a bachelor’s degree in accounting, has recently faced challenges.
She has not been able to find a job, despite sending out 309 applications and sitting through several in-person interviews.
And Haught’s 16-year-old adaptive van, which she affectionately calls “Old Betsy,” is nearing its end of life.
Haught, of Washington, needs a new wheelchair accessible van that she can roll into while in her own motorized wheelchair, but insurance will not cover the vehicle, which costs about $50,000.
For Haught, who has used a power wheelchair since she was 3 years old, the adaptive van enables her to remain independent and safe, whether she’s meeting friends or going to a doctor’s appointment or a job interview.
“Kendle is an on-the-go girl. She likes to socialize, she likes to see people, she doesn’t like to sit at home. She has put her van to good use over the years,” said Haught’s mother, Kristy Capo. “We’ve talked about her getting a job and the first thing she’s going to have to do is get a new van, but she hasn’t been able to land a job – even though she’s overqualified for some of the jobs she’s applying for – and the van has had a lot of problems.”
Recently, Old Betsy broke down on the highway on a hot day, the latest in a series of problems the van has experienced.
But help is on the way. TJD Energy Services is hosting a jambalaya fundraiser called “Let’s Get Kendle Back on the Road” on Thursday, July 16, from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at its offices at 200 Dunning St., Canonsburg.
The cost is $20, and participants have a choice between TJD owner/CEO Tanner Dufrene’s “famous” jambalaya or spaghetti, served with bread, dessert, and a beverage. A Chinese auction with raffle baskets that include a Blackstone grill, a Yeti cooler package, and a Bogg bag with beach accessories also will be held.
TJD is matching 100% of all donations, and 100% of proceeds will go toward Haught’s accessible van. The goal is to raise $50,000.
“We are so grateful for how everyone is coming together to help Kendle,” said Capo, a TJD employee and a photographer.
Dufrene became aware of Haught’s plight after Capo brought her daughter to her office after the breakdown on the highway.
“He found out how old it was and all of the problems she was having with it and he said, ‘Let’s figure this out, let’s get her a new van. I’ll cook all the food and I’ll match all the donations,'” recalled Capo.
Dufrene, a Louisiana native, is known for cooking up batches of jambalaya in a giant pot.
“It’s true, authentic jambalaya, and people go crazy for it,” said Capo. “And his spaghetti is not Italian spaghetti – it’s a Cajun spaghetti.
All donations are tax-deductible through Help Hope Live, a national nonprofit that specializes in engaging communities in fundraising campaigns to cover medical and related expenses for those in need.
While muscular dystrophy continues to make daily life challenging and often less accessible, Haught takes every obstacle in stride, said Capo.
“She is super, super smart. She’s always positive, always happy, always smiling,” said Capo. “She never quits. She always says it will all work out. So many people know Kendle and so many people love Kendle and want to help her. We can’t thank everyone enough for all they’re doing to pitch in to help out.”