In memory of Chris Garske

On October 22, 2017 I am running the Marine Corps Marathon in Washington, DC in memory of Chris Garske. Chris, a brother of a very close friend, passed away unexpectedly in his sleep on July 15th to SUDEP (Sudden Unexplained Death from Epilepsy). In memory of Chris, please help me reach my goal of fundraising $5,000 for Canine Assistants , an incredible organization that provided Chris with a Service dog for the last 7 years. Canine Assistants provides Service and Companion Dogs with people who have mobility difficulties, type I diabetes, epilepsy, and other medical needs at no charge.

Although Chris lived with epilepsy from a young age, he went everywhere and did everything you could possibly imagine - with his service dog at his side - because of his amazing family. He received his first service dog, Flap, in January 2010 and attended Wantagh High School alongside Chris. In April 2014, Flap was diagnosed with cancer and after only four years, he passed away. The Garske family was heartbroken but Canine Assistants, without question, granted Chris a second service dog named Fender in June 2014. Fender is a golden retriever who stood by Chris' side the last 3 years and will remain with the Garske family as a companion and help them heal. We know Chris would love nothing more to help give back to this organization who did so much for him in his short life.

To learn more about this foundation, visit Canine Assistants at http://www.canineassistants.org/