Hi everyone — I’m Zach, Janelle’s oldest son. Many of you know me as the bass player and dance director for the Guiding Light Concert Series, a project that means a lot to our family.

My mom, Janelle, is living with Usher syndrome, a rare genetic condition that causes both hearing and vision loss. She’s already lost her peripheral vision, and her sight continues to change. Through all of it, she’s stayed strong, positive, and determined — but she now needs the help of a service dog to keep her safe and independent as her vision continues to narrow.

The cost of specialized training and care for a service dog is significant, and we’re hoping to raise $15,000 to make this partnership possible.

Our family has been deeply touched by the love and support from our community through the Guiding Light Concert Series. Each show brings people together to share music, movement, and kindness — and this GoFundMe gives another way to help for anyone who can’t make it to a concert or wants to support beyond ticket sales.

Every donation — big or small — goes directly toward the service dog training and ongoing care that will help my mom and her dog work together as a team.

Your support means the world to us. Thank you for helping give my mom the safety, independence, and confidence she deserves — and for being part of this amazing Guiding Light community. Together, we really do shine brighter.