**Help Support Drake's Journey: Paws for a Special Cause-Service Dog Fundraiser**
On March 12th, 2019, our world was filled with joy as we welcomed our beautiful son, Drake Langley Cagle, into our lives. From the moment we laid eyes on him, we knew he was something special. He quickly became the light of our family, and we couldn’t wait to watch him grow alongside his big sister, Aria.
At first, Drake seemed to develop just like any other baby – smiling, babbling, and enjoying his meals. However, as time passed, we began to notice things weren't progressing as expected. By his first birthday, Drake wasn't responding to his name and stopped saying his first words. As time went on, his development continued to fall behind. At his 2-year-old checkup, our pediatrician expressed concerns about Autism, and soon after, our worst fears were confirmed. On October 10th, 2021, we received the diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and Global Developmental Delay.
Our hearts broke. As I was finishing my nursing program, my world came to a standstill, and we dove headfirst into therapies – speech, physical, occupational, and ABA. But still, something didn’t feel right. Drake wasn’t able to walk or stand independently, which raised even more concerns. After multiple tests, scans, and visits to specialists, we still had no answers. But we didn’t give up.
On July 29th, 2024, we finally received a diagnosis that would change our lives forever. Drake was diagnosed with **Hereditary Spastic Paraplegia Type 4 (HSP4)**, a rare, progressive neurodegenerative genetic disease. This condition causes progressive muscle weakness and spasticity, similar to Cerebral Palsy, but with a crucial difference: it *gets worse* over time. Although it doesn't affect Drake’s life expectancy, it does mean he may lose the use of his legs as he grows.
Currently, Drake faces significant challenges with spasticity in both legs, muscle wasting, and trouble walking or standing. Despite these obstacles, his spirit remains unwavering. He continues to fight through each day with resilience, joy, and a determination that inspires us all. He’s an incredibly smart, loving, and determined boy who shows us just how strong the human spirit can be.
As we continue to advocate for Drake and seek ways to support him in his journey, we’ve been blessed with a unique opportunity: Drake has been assigned a **service dog**! This service dog will help in so many ways – providing safety, balance support, motivation, language development, and encouraging independence. It will help Drake navigate the world with more confidence and a sense of empowerment. This dog will also help our family, offering comfort, companionship, and much-needed support in challenging social situations.
However, this incredible opportunity comes with a significant cost. The total cost to raise and train the service dog is **$15,000**, which covers all the specialized training, education, food, vet bills, and boarding until the dog is ready to come home with Drake.
We are reaching out to our community for help in making this dream a reality for Drake. Every contribution, no matter how big or small, will help bring this life-changing service dog into his world and provide the support he needs to thrive.
If you are able to donate, we would be eternally grateful. If you’re unable to donate, please share this campaign with others who may be willing to support us. Your love, prayers, and generosity mean the world to us. Thank you for being part of Drake’s journey and helping to brighten his future.
With love and gratitude,
Danielle (Momma), Richard (Dadda), Aria (Big Sis), and Drake