A Service Dog for Luke!
Donation protected
On a Sunday morning in June 2011 a very tiny fighter was born 14 weeks premature, measuring in at 1 pound 2/3 ounces and 11 1/2 inches. Given only 20% chance of survival, Luke defied the odds daily and after 98 days in the NICU, came home! For the first 2 years of life, Luke continued to be behind both physically and developmentally. Near his 3rd birthday Luke was diagnosed with Cerebral Palsy, or impaired muscle coordination due to brain damage before or during birth. We were told Luke wouldn’t be able to crawl, walk, or even sit up on his own. Slowly but surely he has defied those odds on his own terms. Along with his feeding difficulties and his pancreatic enzyme insufficiency Luke is small but mighty weighing in at a whopping 36 pounds.
Along with his physical difficulties and developmental delays Luke also battles anxiety. This anxiety can leave him unable to remain alone in a room or even sleep in his own bed alone at times.
Even with all he’s been through in his short 8 years, Luke is a happy kid that LOVES sports. He’s an avid Chicago Cubs, Irish Football, Indiana Basketball, and bowling fan. If there is a ball, Luke is a fan. He is also a second grader at West Goshen Elementary and hasn’t met a classmate or teacher that isn’t his friend.
We have been in contact with Northern Indiana Service Dogs and Luke has been paired with an English Labrador Retriever named Pongo. Just this week Pongo began his training specifically for Luke for his physical and companionship needs. A service dog will help Luke with daily activities and gain independence. This will also help Luke grow all around. This training will take from a 12 to 18 months and will cost a substantial amount. This payment covers the cost of the dog, training, care, and daily maintenance. Before Luke can bring Pongo home after training, full payment will have to be made.
Luke has had so many praying cheering him on his entire life, we feel incredibly BLESSED. And if you feel inclined to help with our fundraising we cannot say THANK YOU enough. We hope to keep everyone updated on Pongo’s training and Luke’s visits with Pongo.
Along with his physical difficulties and developmental delays Luke also battles anxiety. This anxiety can leave him unable to remain alone in a room or even sleep in his own bed alone at times.
Even with all he’s been through in his short 8 years, Luke is a happy kid that LOVES sports. He’s an avid Chicago Cubs, Irish Football, Indiana Basketball, and bowling fan. If there is a ball, Luke is a fan. He is also a second grader at West Goshen Elementary and hasn’t met a classmate or teacher that isn’t his friend.
We have been in contact with Northern Indiana Service Dogs and Luke has been paired with an English Labrador Retriever named Pongo. Just this week Pongo began his training specifically for Luke for his physical and companionship needs. A service dog will help Luke with daily activities and gain independence. This will also help Luke grow all around. This training will take from a 12 to 18 months and will cost a substantial amount. This payment covers the cost of the dog, training, care, and daily maintenance. Before Luke can bring Pongo home after training, full payment will have to be made.
Luke has had so many praying cheering him on his entire life, we feel incredibly BLESSED. And if you feel inclined to help with our fundraising we cannot say THANK YOU enough. We hope to keep everyone updated on Pongo’s training and Luke’s visits with Pongo.
Organizer
Jordan Molnar
Organizer
Elkhart, IN
