Help 4 Gavin - Service Dog Needed

I'm starting this GoFundMe on behalf of my friend and co-worker, Chris Steele & his 10-year old, autistic son, Gavin, who is in strong need of a Service Dog. Chris is a kind, caring, hard-working father, who has always tried to keep his struggles to himself. Although always eager to help others, he sometimes finds it difficult to ask others for help. After some encouraging talks with friends, he's agreed to let us help him out. So please, read below, spread the word to friends and loved-ones, and if you can, please make a donation to help Gavin get the care that he needs.



Chris' son, Gavin, is autistic and has required such a high level of care that it's become almost impossible to leave Gavin unattended for too long. They've even resorted to locking doors inside the home, just for fear that Gavin would run away or hurt himself in the middle of the night.

Because of the level of care required, Chris' wife has never been able to return to work after Gavin was born, and now stays home to care for their two children. Fortunately, Chris has a job that allows him to work overtime to help balance out the finances and pay bills, but as you can imagine, this takes him away from his home and his family far more than he would like, not to mention is a heavy toll on his body and mind.

A while ago, health care professionals, and members of Gavin's therapy team explained that Gavin would be a "perfect candidate" for a Service Dog. This dog would not only be an excellent form of therapy for Gavin, but also offer some peace of mind for his family, as the dog can alert them if something is happening to Gavin that would require their immediate attention.

Unfortunately, as you can understand, due to an overwhelming need, the wait list for these service dogs is incredibly long, and has been closed to new applicants. Gavin's family has been trying to get him on a list for years, but with no luck.

Gavin's family has been offered the opportunity to pay for the service dog themselves, rather than wait for an opening on the list for a "free" one. Gavin's family needs to raise $18,000 for one of these dogs, and so they have decided to reach out and ask the community for help.

"I hope that you can see it fit to help Gavin and my family with this goal. If by any chance [we] surpass this goal, I will pay it forward, and help get a Dog for the next family in need. Thank you from the Steele Family!" - Chris Steele

Thank you all for reading. Please help spread the word to the community, and let's get Gavin the care he needs as soon as possible.