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A service dog for Evelyn

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Evelyn is an 8-year-old special needs child with C.H.A.R.G.E syndrome.  From birth, Evelyn has been fighting for a place in this world.  Given only 50/50 odds, she has not only survived, but thrived.  As well as having only a small percentage of her hearing and vision, Evelyn also has a heart murmur that needs to be monitored, a swallowing disorder that requires her to be tube fed five times a day, and a body that puts her in a hyper-metabolic state, causing her to require constant nutrients and energy.   

Although she is classified as legally deaf and blind, as well as numerous other physical deformities, she breaks all the clinical expectations of what she is supposed to be capable of achieving as a human being.  Her intense and amazing will and determination has led her to accomplish astonishing feats.  From participating in her local Miracle League Baseball team to learning how to play “Twinkle-Twinkle Little Star” on the piano, Evelyn far surpasses her potential each and every day.

However, with this bold determination and beautiful curiosity that she possesses comes many challenges and sometimes dangers.  Evelyn has a wonderful opportunity to have a special needs service dog be a part of her life, one that can be there with her as she attempts to take on the world in her very special way.  Although her curiosity and love for life is directly related to her ability to overcome her expectations, it is also directly related to an increased risk in safety. 

With this special needs service dog, Evelyn would be able to have an amazing safety blanket at her side 24-7, 365 days a year.  She would have someone that would protect her from unlocking the deadbolt and venturing outside, protect her from unsafe strangers, and be there by her side to protect her from all the twists and turns this life my throw at her everyday. Also have someone to help her with little things we all take for granted such as balance and everyday mobility.

Most importantly, this special needs service dog will provide for her a new outlet for exploration and expression.  She will now be able to have someone that can relate to her and help grow and nurture her into the remarkable individual that she is becoming in the most positive way possible.  She has an incredible family, friend, and school base that she receives a multitude of affection and positive stimulation from.  However, with this special needs service dog, Evelyn will now be able to further her cognitive development to the next level, accomplish new goals, and ultimately, have a special friend to share special memories with.

What people see when they first meet Evelyn is a beautiful little girl who often greets them in the most loving way.  She is not a hand-shaker, she’s definitely a hugger, and if you have ever had the blessing of receiving a hug from Evelyn, you know exactly what it means to feel pure, genuine love that pours from her arms and hands as they wrap around your neck.  Once getting to know her better, people often are treated to her expressing herself through spoken word and sign language.  Spend even more time with Evelyn, and people often find their life changed forever. 

People who meet Evelyn realize that they have met someone who absolutely and positively lives every single moment of every day of her life to the fullest despite the momentous hurdles that she is faced with.  Her every breath is a living testament of what it means to be grateful and make the most of life.  The amount of people she has inspired in her short time here on earth is countless.  Whatever you can find in your heart to donate towards the cause of helping her obtain a special needs service dog is very much appreciated, and will certainly go toward a truly special cause.

Organizer

Lance Hatchell
Organizer
Florence, SC

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