Kirkpatrick kids need Seizure Alert Service Dog
Kory and Kade Kirkpatrick are brothers and beautiful little boys who are affected by Epilepsy every day of their lives. Kade began having seizures at six weeks of age. His Epilepsy is known as “Refractory Epilepsy.” This means it is not controlled by medication.
Kade’s Epilepsy has caused balance, speech, and cognitive problems. Kade’s seizures are generalized, which means that each seizure affects the entire brain. During a generalized seizure Kade stops breathing.
During a Partial Complex seizure, Kade stares and has no cognitive awareness. On July 17, 2009 Kade was admitted to Cleveland Clinic for a brain surgery evaluation. We found that he is not a candidate for Epilepsy surgery. However, the Cleveland Clinic is in the process of finding out what has caused all four of our children to have a neurological problem. They have found a genetic component they believe may have caused the problems.
Kory was diagnosed with Epilepsy in June 2009. Kory has seizures at night and focal seizures during the day. This means that Kory may have an arm or leg shake, and he is completely aware of this happening but cannot stop it.
Kory’s seizures are similar to night terrors. He screams and runs through the house, disturbing everyone’s sleep patterns. This also results in waking Kade up and causing him to have seizures during the night.
The doctors believe that there is a genetic component that has caused all four of our children to have neurological conditions. We want our children to have the best possible life and have independence from Epilepsy.
In order to get some relief for our family and offer our children some independence, we have decided to seek the help of “4 Paws for Ability” a nonprofit organization that trains service dogs for children with Epilepsy. In order to obtain a Seizure Alert Dog we have partnered with 4 Paws to fund raise $15,000.
This wonderful dog will be extensively trained to alert us of seizures up to an hour before the actual seizure occurs, aid Kade with balance, and will comfort the kids after a seizure occurs. It will also be trained to retrieve items for the boys if the tremors in their hands are to strong for them to easily pick things up.
We are mailing this letter to all friends, family, and community members to try and seek help with our fundraising efforts. We are asking that you help us in one of several ways: donate funds, help fundraise, or simply keep us in your prayers.
All donations to 4 Paws for Abilityin honor of the Kirkpatrick children are tax deductible. Thank you for time and consideration.
Sincerely: Kary, Kimberly, Kaytlin, Kory, Kade, and Kelsey Kirkpatrick
Note: I highly endorse 4 Paws for Ability as a source for extremely well-trained service dogs. The organization is sound and its goals exceptional. Judy Vorfeld.
Note: I highly endorse 4 Paws for Ability as a source for extremely well-trained service dogs. The organization is sound and its goals exceptional. Judy Vorfeld.