Liam Dillard Service Dog Fundraiser

Hello, My name is Melissa Sapp and I have a wonderful son named Liam Dillard. Whether you know him or are just learning about him for the first time, we appreciate you taking the time to find out more about him. In advance, THANK YOU from our family!
Liam is 9 years old. The moment he was born our miracle baby had us wrapped around his finger. He melted our hearts with his beautiful smile and kind spirit. He was a quiet, calm, and happy baby.

After his first birthday, we noticed he had some challenges with speech and social interactions. He wouldn’t make eye contact and had issues with speech. He was diagnosed with moderate autism as well as ADHD and Anxiety. After his diagnosis, he started Speech Therapy (ST), and Occupational Therapy (OT). These therapies helped him overcome several of his challenges. His autism has affected him in various ways, both in social skills and verbal skills. In addition, he sometimes gets overly anxious leading to meltdowns and panic attacks. He also has difficulty identifying when he is in a dangerous situation. He does not handle having disruptions to his daily routine well. He likes structure. Liam’s average week includes one hour of OT, one hour of behavior and coping therapy and other therapies he receives at his Autism School.
 
Liam is a HAPPY child! He has a contagious smile. He is an energetic and caring son. He loves exploring the outdoors, enjoys sensory activities and water play. Liam loves to go on road trips. One of the things he most likes to do is going to the beach, splashing in the water and enjoying the scenery. Liam also enjoys our trips to the snow, sledding is his favorite thing to do. He loves sliding down the hills. He enjoys tactical activities, such as being hugged, squeezed, and cuddled.
 
Liam always has an appetite. He loves chicken, , strawberries, grapes, watermelon & anything ranch. He LOVES food, PERIOD! Liam likes to play matching games and puzzle games on his tablet. His favorite movies are Harry Potter, Power Rangers, My Little Pony & Home Alone. He loves to dance to the music of the shows. He likes music in general; it tends to relax him.

In recent months his psychiatrists  have suggested our getting a service dog for Liam. I did some research online and came across 4 Paws for Ability in Ohio (the organization that is featured in Episode 1 of “Dogs” on Netflix). 4 Paws for Ability provides service dogs who are trained to work with special needs children. I submitted the application full of hope and shortly after 4 Paws for Ability replied, “Liam has been approved and accepted into the program!”
 
Having an autism assistant dog would open a world of possibilities for Liam. The assistant dog will help with his disruptive behavior when he is overwhelmed and having a meltdown. The dog will help him develop social skills. He will also have a steady routine and will participate in the dog’s care. This will motivate Liam to learn new skills and be physically active while playing and exercising with the dog. The cost is for the program is between $40,000 to $60,000 to breed, raise, and train an autism assistant dog for Liams specific needs. We need to raise $17,000 in support of this mission. The money we raise will go to 4 Paws for Ability directly to help them care for and train the dog. If you would like to help Liam gain independence and a furry friend, your donation will be greatly appreciated. Any amount is a step closer toward our goal. If you cannot donate, you could always spread the word about our cause. Make others aware of 4 Paws and what they do; bring awareness to others about autism and how a service dog can benefit a patient. https://4pawsforability.org/donate-now/. If you donate on this website, please make sure that you include Liam Ryon Dillard in the description field. 
By check: Donations can also be made via check and mailed to: 4 Paws for Ability In Honor of Liam Ryon Dillard  at 253 Dayton Avenue Xenia, Ohio 45385
** Please be sure to write “in honor of Liam Ryon Dillard” on the memo line ** Thank you once again, Liam, Dayne, Melissa (Sapp) & Aaron (Dillard)