Hi, I’m Lisa Rogers, and I’m raising funds to help the Castellano family purchase a life-saving seizure alert service dog for their 19-year-old son, Kobe.

I moved in next door when Kobe's mom Danielle was pregnant with him, and over the last two decades I’ve had the privilege of knowing this amazing family. Our kids grew up together and enjoyed sleepovers, barbecues and too many whiffleball games to count. Kobe has always been an athletic kid with a great sense of humor. But his medical condition has kept him from doing many things he's wanted to do, and now he's a young adult unable to be on his own.

Kobe’s Condition

When Kobe turned six, he started having seizures that became more severe over time. His diagnosis is a form of epilepsy called Lennox-Gastaut syndrome. It has not been controllable by medication or the deep brain stimulation device. His seizures come without warning, putting him at constant risk of injury and making it difficult for him to safely do everyday things that many of us take for granted.

For his parents, this means living in a constant state of vigilance. He has been to the ER countless times because his sudden falls result in bruises, stitches and head wounds.

Some Hope with a Seizure Alert Dog

The Castellano family is partnering with Regis Regal to secure a seizure alert dog trained to detect and warn of seizures so Kobe can get in a position where he’s less likely to be hurt. But this kind of life-changing support comes at a cost - approximately $40,000. This includes the dog’s specialized training, placement, and ongoing support.

A note from the family

"A seizure alert/response dog would be life-changing for Kobe and our family. Kobe requires supervision 24/7, which has been difficult to provide, often resulting in serious injury and ER visits due to unwitnessed seizures.

Being able to sense a seizure, alert family and caregivers, and then prevent physical injury to Kobe would provide a level of confidence, security, and comfort missing from his life.

Throughout his life, we have never lost sight and remain optimistic about improving Kobe's quality of life. This dog is his current ray of hope."

The Ask is to Share the Love

Danielle is one of my closest friends and I’ve felt helpless being unable to change the condition for Kobe. This fundraiser is a meaningful way we can help. If you’re not able to donate, sharing this page would mean the world to us.

Thank you for reading, for sharing, and for considering a donation to help Kobe. It truly means more than words can express.

With gratitude,

Lisa Rogers / The Castellano Family