For 25 years, Mother’s Day has been a grand celebration at the Tennessee Justice Center (TJC). Every year, TJC honors courageous moms, dads, foster parents, grandparents, and caregivers who persistently advocate not only for the wellbeing of their own loved ones, but for all Tennesseans from Memphis to Mountain City. 

With help from volunteer photographers across the state, TJC provides our honorees with framed family portraits and more as a token of our gratitude for their efforts to make our state better for all Tennesseans. These beautiful photos line the front wall of our office, and their moving stories of love and devotion inspire us all year long.

This year, the Tennessee Justice Center is honoring David Schoonover as a 2025 Father of the Year.

David Schoonover is a devoted father whose 11-year-old son, Ryan, was diagnosed with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD) at age four. To slow the disease’s progression, Ryan was prescribed Viltepso, a life-saving medication costing an astounding $15,000 per week.

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 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.  

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.

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 Father of the Year.

For more information or to schedule interviews, please contact D’Anelle Desire at ddesire@tnjustice.org.

Read the Schoonover’s full story and the stories of all the Caregivers of the Year by exploring the virtual version of the wall here.