I’m creating this GoFundMe for my granddaughter, Mallory Lukens, to help support her ongoing DMI (Dynamic Movement Intervention) Therapy, as well as raise funds toward her future service dog, both of which will greatly improve her quality of life, independence, and safety.

Mallory’s Story

Mallory — who will be turning 4 in just a few short months — suffered HIE (Hypoxic Ischemic Encephalopathy) at birth. Because of this, she lives with several complex medical challenges:

She has been in therapy since she was only a few months old, and every single day she amazes us with her resilience, strength, and bright spirit.

A Family Full of Love

Mallory is surrounded by an incredible support system. Her mom, Emily, and her dad, John, work tirelessly through every appointment, therapy session, and milestone to make sure she receives the care and opportunities she needs. And then there’s her little sister, Lainey, just one year old, who absolutely adores her big sister.

Just the other day, Lainey was trying to push Mallory in her gait trainer — or maybe she was trying to hitch a ride herself… we’re not entirely sure! Either way, the girls already share the sweetest bond, full of joy, curiosity, and encouragement.

Who Mallory Is

Mallory is one of the happiest, most determined little girls you’ll ever meet. She loves attention, loves “going to the gyms” for her therapy workouts, and has a smile that can brighten any room.

She has already completed three DMI therapy sessions and is making incredible progress — she’s taking steps in her gait trainer and learning to sit up on her own. These milestones bring our entire family so much hope.

The Therapies Helping Her Grow

Along with DMI, Mallory also receives vision therapy and speech therapy. Even though she is non-verbal, she is learning meaningful ways to communicate — and she is showing more of her personality every day.

Just recently, during a session with her mom and therapist, Mallory showed us, in her own special way, that her favorite color is purple.

Moments like this remind us of how much she understands, how much she is learning, and how important her therapeutic supports truly are.

Why We’re Raising $30,000

Mallory has several important needs that require financial support:

1️⃣ $10,000 for Two More Rounds of DMI Therapy

This therapy has been truly life-changing for her mobility, strength, and independence.

2️⃣ $20,000 Toward a Service Dog

Emily has already started the application process for Mallory’s service dog — a process that takes up to two years. Service dogs trained for children with mobility challenges, seizures, and developmental delays can cost $30,000–$40,000, and families are responsible for raising a significant portion.

A service dog will help Mallory with:

For Mallory, this won’t just be a dog — it will be a life-changing partner in safety and support.

A Larger Need in the Future

As Mallory continues to grow, lifting her in and out of a traditional car seat is becoming increasingly difficult and unsafe. She will eventually require a wheelchair-accessible mobility van, which typically costs around $80,000.

While this is not part of the $30k goal, it is an important part of her long-term care needs.

How You Can Help

Your support — through donations or simply sharing this page — means more than you know. Every contribution brings Mallory closer to the therapies, tools, and supports she needs to thrive.

Mallory has already overcome so much, and with continued therapy, a future service dog, and the love around her, she will keep surprising us with everything she is capable of.

Thank you for supporting Mallory’s journey and cheering on our sweet girl.