Little boy in desperate need of a service dog
Donation protected
I wanted to start this Go Fund Me for a friend of mine that has been dealing with a lot due to her son being diagnosed with a number of things. It is very difficult for her to ask for help so I chose to do it for her. I believe that it is hard enough as a parent when you find out that your child is suffering from something that the last thing you should have to worry about is financially not being able to support him the way you know he needs.
3 years ago Boston was diagnosed as having Oppositional defiant Disorder and Anexity. Before the diagnosis their family was stressed and struggling because they never knew when Boston was going to explode and have a melt down that would last for upwards of 45 minutes. It was difficult to go anywhere because of all the uncertainty and honestly the judgement they would feel when he would have an episode. They read every parenting book and blog on difficult children but nothing consistently helped. They felt hopeless. Until finally they talked to their pediatrician and were referred to a children's therapy center. There they received the diagnosis. It was heartbreaking to know their child was struggling.
After his diagnosis they felt relief that finally there was an answer to what was going on, but also felt fear about the future. They learned all they could and went to family therapy for help. They got Boston enrolled in a therapy preschool where he thrived and started to make positive changes. Children with ODD and anxiety will easily revert to Fright, Fight, or Freeze when faced with a perceived challenge. That was where his melt downs would come in. During therapy and through his preschool they learned ways to help him avoid and cope with those negative reactions.
It has been 3 years since Boston's first diagnosis and I'd love to say they have it all figured out. The truth is though their family still struggles. Boston still struggles. Boston was also recently diagnosed with Celiacs Disease and Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis. He has a lifetime of challenges others will not have ahead of them. And many that others will not even see, making it even harder for him.
When the therapist first recommended to get a service dog to help Boston they were unsure. Yes they love animals, but their plates were already full. They have 3 other children besides Boston and didn't want to add to the chaos of their home life. But as they thought and prayed more about it, they could not deny it any more. They knew a dog would help more than hurt.
They looked into a service dog specifically because beyond companionship for an often lonely boy it would do things like pressure therapy, redirection, and pushing or pulling during moments of fatigue. The trainers are on board and want to help find Boston's dog, and so do they! But they need help! The price for a service dog to help Boston with his day to day struggles is $10k. They had a yard sale and sold a bunch of their household items as well as some items donated from family and friends but that was barely enough for a 500$ deposit. They are continuing to look for ways to save or work for extra money, but could use your help too! Any little bit helps to make this little boys life easier and for this family to at least not have the financial burden on their back on top of everything else.
3 years ago Boston was diagnosed as having Oppositional defiant Disorder and Anexity. Before the diagnosis their family was stressed and struggling because they never knew when Boston was going to explode and have a melt down that would last for upwards of 45 minutes. It was difficult to go anywhere because of all the uncertainty and honestly the judgement they would feel when he would have an episode. They read every parenting book and blog on difficult children but nothing consistently helped. They felt hopeless. Until finally they talked to their pediatrician and were referred to a children's therapy center. There they received the diagnosis. It was heartbreaking to know their child was struggling.
After his diagnosis they felt relief that finally there was an answer to what was going on, but also felt fear about the future. They learned all they could and went to family therapy for help. They got Boston enrolled in a therapy preschool where he thrived and started to make positive changes. Children with ODD and anxiety will easily revert to Fright, Fight, or Freeze when faced with a perceived challenge. That was where his melt downs would come in. During therapy and through his preschool they learned ways to help him avoid and cope with those negative reactions.
It has been 3 years since Boston's first diagnosis and I'd love to say they have it all figured out. The truth is though their family still struggles. Boston still struggles. Boston was also recently diagnosed with Celiacs Disease and Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis. He has a lifetime of challenges others will not have ahead of them. And many that others will not even see, making it even harder for him.
When the therapist first recommended to get a service dog to help Boston they were unsure. Yes they love animals, but their plates were already full. They have 3 other children besides Boston and didn't want to add to the chaos of their home life. But as they thought and prayed more about it, they could not deny it any more. They knew a dog would help more than hurt.
They looked into a service dog specifically because beyond companionship for an often lonely boy it would do things like pressure therapy, redirection, and pushing or pulling during moments of fatigue. The trainers are on board and want to help find Boston's dog, and so do they! But they need help! The price for a service dog to help Boston with his day to day struggles is $10k. They had a yard sale and sold a bunch of their household items as well as some items donated from family and friends but that was barely enough for a 500$ deposit. They are continuing to look for ways to save or work for extra money, but could use your help too! Any little bit helps to make this little boys life easier and for this family to at least not have the financial burden on their back on top of everything else.
Organizer and beneficiary
Amanda-Lee N Bryan
Organizer
Clarington, ON
Catherine Smith
Beneficiary
