A young man living with muscular dystrophy is working in his dream job.
He’s a project engineer with the largest contractor in the state of Utah.
Jared Ward is 19 years old, and ever since he was young he was drawn to building things.
“Building buildings is what I like to do,” Ward said.
Through the years he’s become very talented at blue prints and designs. After graduating from Wasatch High School, he was hired by Big D Construction as a project engineer.
“He’s doing a great job,” said Mike Kerby, the senior vice president.
Kerby got to know Ward through the National Ability Center in Park City.
“Really what we look for when we hire somebody is their ability to fit in with the team, personality, and willingness to learn,” said Kerby. “Everything else we can teach. And Jared has those basics.”
Ward’s love for building started with watching the show “Bob the Builder” at three years old.
When he was four, he was diagnosed with muscular dystrophy.
At 10 years old, he had his Make A Wish dream come true by appearing on Extreme Home Makeover with Ty Pennington.
But by 16, he could no longer walk.
“My legs don’t work anymore,” Ward said.
The average life span for those with muscular dystrophy is just 21 years old. But that’s not something Ward is worried about.
“That’s the sad part about it, but I’m just moving along, chugging along,” he said.
Ward plans to one day start his own construction company and build homes for people with disabilities.
“There’s not enough housing for people who are in wheelchairs,” he said.
For now, Ward is very happy working a few days a week.
“It’s pretty going to work,” he said.
And Big D Construction couldn’t be happier to have him.
“He comes in every day with a positive attitude, and that’s contagious!” Kerby said.
