Main fundraiser photo

A Service Dog for Cale Curkan

If you can, please lend your support to help with the cost of a service dog for Cale Curkan

Background:
Cale Curkan is a 12 year old wonderful boy that attends Red Deer Lake School. Cale is diagnosed with Cerebral Palsy, Attachment Disorder, Generalized Anxiety Disorder, and a phobia of food; all resulting from early medical trauma he suffered as an infant. 

I have had the pleasure of knowing Cale and his family for the last three years, and I have been a witness to their daily struggles.  I have watched the family come together to get through some of Cale's hardest days.  Since Cale was just an infant, his family has dedicated many hours to hospital visits and stays, and countless hours to therapy.  Cale has many challenges in life, but some of his biggest challenges are a result of his anxiety.  Unfortunately, Cale's anxiety prevents him from meeting his potential and has inhibited his development greatly as he is afraid to try new things.  His parents, siblings, therapists, teachers, educational assistants and classmates understand Cale's potential, but also see how his anxiety can make day to day tasks very challenging for Cale.  A great deal of  time each day is focused on reassuring Cale and trying to keep him calm.

For these reasons, I decided to set up this account for Cale and his family.   My hope is that it will help lessen the financial strain that can be associated with a service dog. The training process is a long and expensive one, given what these dogs are trained to do. 

Cost:
Cale's new service dog is a 2 year old Golden Retriever named Buddy.  He is an Autism Service Dog with Canine Support Services and is being flown to Calgary from Ontario to begin training.  The Curkan family has to pay for Buddy in full, which is $20,000.  My goal with this page is to help alleviate the financial stress on the Curkan family that goes with purchasing a service dog. 

How You Can Help
The ways Cale can benefit from Buddy as a companion are endless.  Cale has a very difficult time forming relationships due to his many disabilities.  Buddy will be Cale's companion, and also help Cale to feel safe. The dog is trained to recognize when Cale's anxiety is heightened, and will help to redirect him when needed.  Buddy will also help to give Cale a sense of independence by opening doors, turning on lights, and retrieving items. 

I appreciate your time and any donation will help!  Thank you for your consideration for Cale Curkan and his family.

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Donations 

  • Kate Sleno
    • $70 
    • 5 yrs
Donate

Organizer and beneficiary

Teddi Mulholland
Organizer
Calgary, AB
Catherine Curkan
Beneficiary

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