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My Journey
By Gabriel Dancer
I’d like to take a few minutes to share my story with those of you who don’t know it. For those of you who do, it will be a refresher. In 2004, I was born at 27 weeks and weighed a whole 13 ounces. I spent the first four months of my life in a NICU while my dad and mom lived in a pop-up trailer a few blocks from the hospital. At 5 lbs. the doctors allowed me to head home.
Due to my prematurity, I needed to use oxygen to help my breathing and a nasogastric (NG) tube for feeding. Later I traded out the NG tube for a G tube that went directly into my stomach instead of down my nose. I have spent the last 10 years of my life working very hard in therapy to get rid of the G tube.
Thanks to amazing and dedicated therapists and my parents, I have finally ditched the G tube. I still don’t like eating but it’s getting easier for me.
Over my short 10 years of life, I have had a number of surgeries that are associated with being a micro-preemie and have participated in years of OT/ PT/ST and Hippo Therapy. Currently I attend a special school that has a neuro-developmental approach. Check out The Nicholas School in Piqua, OH. The school and staff are amazing.
This brings me to present day. Over one year ago, I completed a lengthy but well organized application process through Canine Companions for Independence with the hopes of qualifying to receive a skilled companion dog. After a phone interview and 4 hour personal interview, I received a letter stating I had been accepted to receive a dog but the waiting list would be another 1-2 years. I have been patiently waiting for the phone call letting me know I’ve been accepted into the Team in Training program to meet my skilled companion dog.
Great news - I received the acceptance phone call this week. In August, my parents and I will attend a two week training session at Canine Companion’s facility. After the two weeks of daily training, I will bring the dog home. I’m very excited. Please visit: http://www.cci.org/ for more information.
With this new part of my journey, brings new challenges. My hope is to raise $2000 to help with the expenses associated with the travel, food and the two week stay in hotel/campground. Thank you for your kind support in helping achieve this goal. Please be in prayer for my family and blessings your way.
Gabriel Dancer
By Gabriel Dancer
I’d like to take a few minutes to share my story with those of you who don’t know it. For those of you who do, it will be a refresher. In 2004, I was born at 27 weeks and weighed a whole 13 ounces. I spent the first four months of my life in a NICU while my dad and mom lived in a pop-up trailer a few blocks from the hospital. At 5 lbs. the doctors allowed me to head home.
Due to my prematurity, I needed to use oxygen to help my breathing and a nasogastric (NG) tube for feeding. Later I traded out the NG tube for a G tube that went directly into my stomach instead of down my nose. I have spent the last 10 years of my life working very hard in therapy to get rid of the G tube.
Thanks to amazing and dedicated therapists and my parents, I have finally ditched the G tube. I still don’t like eating but it’s getting easier for me.
Over my short 10 years of life, I have had a number of surgeries that are associated with being a micro-preemie and have participated in years of OT/ PT/ST and Hippo Therapy. Currently I attend a special school that has a neuro-developmental approach. Check out The Nicholas School in Piqua, OH. The school and staff are amazing.
This brings me to present day. Over one year ago, I completed a lengthy but well organized application process through Canine Companions for Independence with the hopes of qualifying to receive a skilled companion dog. After a phone interview and 4 hour personal interview, I received a letter stating I had been accepted to receive a dog but the waiting list would be another 1-2 years. I have been patiently waiting for the phone call letting me know I’ve been accepted into the Team in Training program to meet my skilled companion dog.
Great news - I received the acceptance phone call this week. In August, my parents and I will attend a two week training session at Canine Companion’s facility. After the two weeks of daily training, I will bring the dog home. I’m very excited. Please visit: http://www.cci.org/ for more information.
With this new part of my journey, brings new challenges. My hope is to raise $2000 to help with the expenses associated with the travel, food and the two week stay in hotel/campground. Thank you for your kind support in helping achieve this goal. Please be in prayer for my family and blessings your way.
Gabriel Dancer