On June 1, 2017, Jayla Clements of Cullman, AL, will become the proud owner of a Honda Accord donated by Brannon Honda during a presentation at the dealership in Birmingham. First diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis (MS) at age 17, Jayla still managed to maintain excellent grades and following graduation will be attending Wallace State Junior College this fall.
With the support of her mother, Julia Clements, and classmates at Good Hope High School, Jayla’s story came to the attention of Andrew Bell, President of the National MS Society for Alabama and Mississippi. “Jayla’s determination to further her education and pursue a career struck a chord”, said Bell, “and the need for college transportation was a big concern.” The purpose of the National MS Society is to provide help and support for people with MS, a disease the normally begins showing symptoms between the ages of 20-50, with most people diagnosed in their 30s. While Bell noted the National MS Society is not generally in the business of getting cars for their clients, he was aware that Brannon Honda was searching for a way to help the community.
“I contacted Ben Brannon, who along with his brother Patrick, owns Brannon Honda,” said Bell, “and their response was immediate and amazing.” Bell continued, “Their contribution will not only change Jayla’s life, but her entire family’s as well.”
Ben Brannon recognized the shared role of the National MS Society and Brannon Honda in serving community needs, “We are thrilled to team up in helping someone achieve success and assist with the support they need.” Brannon Honda is a family-owned dealership and has been dedicated to supporting Central Alabama community efforts since Ben and Patrick’s father, Tom Brannon, opened the doors in 1993.
Bell pointed out how necessary the business community is in his role, “MS affects each person differently, so we must be nimble and astute in our quest to meet each person’s individual needs.” He added, “Thanks to the generosity of Brannon Honda, we were able to connect Jayla with the support and resource she needed to fulfill her dreams.”
If you would like to assist MS patients locally, contact the Alabama/Mississippi offices of the National MS Society at 205-879-8546.
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