David Schoonover
David Schoonover is a devoted husband and loving father to two wonderful children. His son, Ryan, was diagnosed with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD) when he was just four years old. DMD is a progressive disease that gradually causes loss of muscular and pulmonary function. At the time of Ryan’s diagnosis, most children diagnosed with DMD did not live past their 18th birthday. The months following Ryan’s diagnosis were dark and overwhelming for the Schoonover family, but David did and continues to do everything in his power to give his son the best life possible.
Today, Ryan is a 12-year-old with a quick-witted sense of humor and a positivity that inspires everyone around him. David lovingly describes his son as someone who “lights up the room” with his smile. Ryan loves staying active, particularly playing baseball and soccer in his power chair.
Six months after his diagnosis, Ryan joined a clinical trial with 16 other children living with DMD. As part of the trial, Ryan was prescribed Viltepso, a critical medication that is one of the first only available treatments that slows the progression of DMD. Viltepso costs an astounding $15,000 per week—a financial burden that is effectively impossible for any family to bear without health insurance assistance.
In the summer of 2024, TennCare denied Ryan this life-saving medication. Determined to fight for his son, David immediately appealed the decision, which quickly escalated to an emergency hearing. Unsure where to turn next, David reached out to the Tennessee Justice Center (TJC). TJC staff attorney Emily sprang into action, dedicating countless hours to researching Ryan’s condition and TennCare’s policies. With just two days before the hearing, she built a compelling case to challenge the denial.
TennCare ultimately argued that because Ryan used a power chair, Viltepso was not medically necessary. David was in disbelief: “I couldn’t believe they were arguing against a young man with a serious condition to take away the one medicine that slows down the disease and gives him quality of life.” Thanks to Emily’s legal expertise and fierce advocacy, David later won his third appeal with his private insurance, which is now legally obligated to cover the cost of Ryan’s medication.
When asked what the Tennessee Justice Center means to him, David shared, “having that assistance and knowing there are people who dedicate their lives to helping those facing tough circumstances is something you can’t put into words.” To David, TJC’s support is invaluable, as he feels they are “fighting the battles as hard as we are.” Ryan will soon be enrolled in the Katie Beckett Waiver, a Medicaid program for children with complex medical needs. Although David has a steady job and private insurance, he acknowledges that Medicaid has provided Ryan with critical support that he could never offer on his own. He hopes others understand that hardworking families like his also need Medicaid. Medicaid covers Ryan as a secondary payer and gives the family peace of mind when their private plan just doesn’t meet Ryan’s vital and expensive needs.
David’s work ethic is admirable, but his humility truly sets him apart. He is deeply grateful for the many people who have supported Ryan, whether friends, strangers, church members, or TJC attorneys. Through it all, David’s family has been his greatest gift. He feels immense gratitude and love for his wife, Christina, and his stepdaughter, Addison. He believes that Ryan has made him “a better person and a stronger father.”
The Schoonover family’s journey has been filled with challenges, but also with love, resilience, and hope. David continues to be an extraordinary father, husband, and advocate for children with DMD everywhere.
The Tennessee Justice Center is proud to honor David Schoonover as a 2025 Caregiver of the Year.
Photo by John St. Clair
