Let’s help the Elberts get a service dog!

Elijah is a very generous, loving, and smart 10-year-old boy whose laugh will bring a smile to anyone's face. Three years ago he was diagnosed with lupus of the brain, a debilitating disease that has stolen so much from him and has deprived him of a “normal” childhood.

In the past few years the family has had several interactions with therapy dogs at the hospital and has witnessed how healing the visits have been for Elijah. Many health providers have encouraged the Elberts to consider a medical service dog, especially for Elijah. A service dog would help him: with transitions, create an “anchor,” adapt to new environments, provide sensory input, and with refocusing and comfort.

Harper, at just 7-years-old, also has a complex medical history with a rare form of epilepsy, a neuro-immune auto-inflammatory process as well as a rare lung disease. While a service dog would be primarily for Elijah, Harper would also benefit.

Getting a service dog would not only provide unconditional love and emotional support but would also alert Myranda and Jeremy before a seizure, unresponsive event, or decline in health. Myranda & Jeremy have bravely navigated not only one but two children with complex medical issues. Spending what seems like more time behind the walls of a hospital than at home, where Myranda and Jeremy have described the journey as “exhausting, emotionally difficult, and isolating.” Yet they remain upbeat, strong to the core, and fiercely passionate about advocating for the health and wellbeing of their three children.

Have you ever wanted to help them but just didn’t know how? If you know this family, you know that they do not ask for much and are very humble. The entire family would benefit from having a service dog; however, due to the extensive training, these dogs can be very costly- up to $20,000+. Let’s alleviate one more burden for this sweet family and help give these kids a little bit of normalcy while providing Myranda & Jeremy with extra peace of mind. Please consider joining me by blessing the Elberts with a new member of the family, a service dog.