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I am starting this campaign on behalf of my nephew, Ryder. On September 12, 2012, Ryder was diagnosed with autism, which was just the beginning of the medical journey for him and his family. Two years later Ryder was diagnosed with a DNA mutation called SCN2a, with subsequent Episodic Ataxia Type II, the first person ever diagnosed with the disorder AND mutation combined.
SCN2a encodes for a crucial subunit of the sodium ion channel and it pivotal for neuronal signalling primarily in the brain. Over 60% of children with this mutation are also diagnosed with autism. The varying disorders and health issues associated with this mutation are endless, but most have an epileptic condition as well.
For those that know Ryder personally, he is a sweet, happy boy who loves his Peg + Cat, Ranger Rob, and is fascinated with anything electric that has sounds and lights. He also loves animals. He is non-verbal but can communicate with his hands and with pictures. He has therapists and doctors, and specialists and interventionists (the list goes on) that work with him every day, but the dream is to provide Ryder with his very own service dog.
Ryder is a ‘bolter’. Without constant supervision, Ryder will wander (and he’s fast!), a threat to his safety, and ultimately, his life. Ryder is curious and has no fear, and because of that his family spends most of their time in their home for his safety and well-being.
An Autism Service Dog would change Ryder’s life! Unfortunately, all the waiting lists for these dogs have been closed for years, as the demand for these amazing therapists has increased exponentially. These non-profit organizations rely solely on private funding and donations, making it hard for every family who deserves one, to receive one at no cost.
Brigadoon Service Dogs in Bellingham, WA have a program where families can pay a 1/3 of the cost for their dog during the two-year training period, in order to speed up the process and bypass “the lists” - lists that you can’t even get on.
Training generally costs $30,000 for the two-year period, however my sister through her research was able to secure an opportunity to give Ryder his very own dog for $10,000 USD through Brigadoon. My hope is through this gofundme platform, I can do my small part to help ease the financial burden that would match a therapy do to Ryder and improve his quality of life.
Thank you!
SCN2a encodes for a crucial subunit of the sodium ion channel and it pivotal for neuronal signalling primarily in the brain. Over 60% of children with this mutation are also diagnosed with autism. The varying disorders and health issues associated with this mutation are endless, but most have an epileptic condition as well.
For those that know Ryder personally, he is a sweet, happy boy who loves his Peg + Cat, Ranger Rob, and is fascinated with anything electric that has sounds and lights. He also loves animals. He is non-verbal but can communicate with his hands and with pictures. He has therapists and doctors, and specialists and interventionists (the list goes on) that work with him every day, but the dream is to provide Ryder with his very own service dog.
Ryder is a ‘bolter’. Without constant supervision, Ryder will wander (and he’s fast!), a threat to his safety, and ultimately, his life. Ryder is curious and has no fear, and because of that his family spends most of their time in their home for his safety and well-being.
An Autism Service Dog would change Ryder’s life! Unfortunately, all the waiting lists for these dogs have been closed for years, as the demand for these amazing therapists has increased exponentially. These non-profit organizations rely solely on private funding and donations, making it hard for every family who deserves one, to receive one at no cost.
Brigadoon Service Dogs in Bellingham, WA have a program where families can pay a 1/3 of the cost for their dog during the two-year training period, in order to speed up the process and bypass “the lists” - lists that you can’t even get on.
Training generally costs $30,000 for the two-year period, however my sister through her research was able to secure an opportunity to give Ryder his very own dog for $10,000 USD through Brigadoon. My hope is through this gofundme platform, I can do my small part to help ease the financial burden that would match a therapy do to Ryder and improve his quality of life.
Thank you!
Organizer and beneficiary
Carmen Vogel
Beneficiary