Teen with Dravet Syndrome, scoliosis, osteoporosis, ataxia, & a crouch gait needs Seizure Service Dog
Anthony Granato
is a gregarious outgoing sixteen-year-old high school student. He loves playing Wii and simply being around people. He lives in Auburn, New York with his mom and two brothers. Dad lives nearby and sees him frequently.
Anthony is a young man who suffers from Dravet Syndrome, (see www.idea-league.org), which is characterized by an intractable form of epilepsy. Anthony’s condition has been further complicated by scoliosis, osteoporosis, ataxia, and a crouch gait. Trials of medication have been done, but seizure control has never been achieved.
Anthony is extremely social and very well known in our small community. However, he has great difficulty not being able to participate in activities in which his brothers and friends are allowed. He will often wander or run from adults to get to where his brothers are or to someone interesting.
A seizure alert dog, which would be tethered to Anthony, would help him with this problem. Anthony’s seizure alert dog would allow him to have some level of independence in his life. At this point Anthony’s caregiver is unable to be away from him for fear he will have a seizure. This is particularly taxing to mom, who is rarely away from him. A seizure alert dog would allow mom to be able to do things such as take a shower, sleep through the night or do everyday activities which we take for granted.
If you can help, please either go to the 4 Paws for Ability website and click on “donate” or mail a check to 4 Paws for Ability, 253 Dayton Ave., Xenia, Ohio 45385. Please write :in honor of Anthony Granato” in the memo line of your check. Your donation will be tax deductible and will be a blessing to Anthony and his family…Matthew Drastal
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.