Help Chase Charlotte's Dream of Getting a Service Dog

Dear Family, Friends, and Community,

I am reaching out to you all for your support in helping us get a service dog for Charlotte. If you have had the privilege of meeting Charlotte you have been able to witness her beautiful smile, happy heart, and LOVE of dogs. She loves greeting the neighborhood dogs and their owners. Charlotte even makes sure that we have treats to share with her canine friends. We are hoping to secure support to help Charlotte get a service dog to help with her developmental & intellectual needs as well as improve her quality of life.

Charlotte has a rare neurodevelopmental disorder called AGO1. To date, only 85 cases of Argonaute syndrome have been found in humans. These syndromes are characterized by a range of intellectual and physical symptoms including problems speaking and understanding language, delayed motor development, frequent seizures and cognitive impairment. Charlotte does not always understand social cues, does not recognize that her safety may be in danger when playing outside, has balance issues, delayed motor development, and speech and cognitive impairments.

AGO1 also causes behavioral problems in the form of anxiety, hyperactivity, autistic behavior, and sleep issues - all of which we see in Charlotte.

Along with her genetic disorder, Charlotte also has dysgenesis of the corpus callosum. This rare brain disorder causes developmental delays, cognitive impairments, and intellectual disabilities.

Despite her challenges, Charlotte is the happiest, sweetest, and most empathetic little girl. She is always smiling, singing, and dancing. She tries so hard to do things we take for granted and pushes through her challenges daily. A service dog would help her become a bit more independent and provide emotional support.

We are raising funds for the cost of the service dog and its training and travel. The cost of a service dog can start at $30,000 plus we will need to make several trips to first meet and then retrieve the dog from another state. Every donation will go towards ensuring Charlotte has the best chance at a better life. Your generosity will directly support her needs. Even if you’re unable to donate, sharing Charlotte's story with others would mean the world to us.

Let's make this little girls dream come true and help her get a service dog to assist her throughout her day and give her the friend she wants and needs.

We appreciate your support more than words can express.

With gratitude,

Laura, Thomas, Charlotte, & Richie