Pituitary Brain Tumor Slams Tiny Tot
Vinnie Rodriguez is just two years old. In those two years, he has been through a lot. Right before he turned one, he got very sick and was hospitalized with seizures. During his hospital stay, he underwent a series of tests. After the tests results came back, the doctors came in and asked us to have a seat.
They explained that Vinnie has a pituitary brain tumor. My family and I were devastated. No words can explain the feelings we had. Since that diagnosis, his seizures have been ongoing and have not yet been controlled by medication. Vinnie’s seizures cause him to have speech and learning delays. He has behavioral therapy that work with him three to four times a week to help him in these areas. They also help him with his autistic behavior and unchangeable routines that tend to frustrate him and us.
It’s so hard for us as parents to watch him go through so much and not be able to do anything about it. But, that’s not quite accurate: we can do something about it. There is an organization called 4 Paws for Ability. They train seizure alert dogs to help children just like Vinnie.
This dog will be a constant companion and will be able to recognize the signs of an oncoming seizure, and comfort Vinnie during and after a seizure. This dog will also be able to accompany him to all his doctor appointments, hospital stays, and stores where there are crowds, etc. This will help our little boy feel at ease in any of the tense situations he’s likely to experience.
We need to raise money to pay for the special training of this service dog, and we need your help. Because 4 Paws for Ability is a nonprofit agency, your donations in Vinnie’s name are tax deductible. Thank you for either giving online sending your donation to:
4 Paws for Ability
253 Dayton Ave.
Xenia, Ohio 45385
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.