A service dog for Ryder

Hello, our names are Chris and Allison and we are the proud parents of the sweetest 6-year-old boy in the world, Ryder. We are seeking funds to obtain a service dog to allow a better quality of life for him.

Ryder has a lifelong disorder called Polymicrogyria (PMG). This affects both sides of his brain (bilateral), which makes this a rare neuronal migration disorder. This condition is characterized by abnormal development of the brain before birth. With this disorder comes multiple impairments.

With your help, we are trying to raise money to gift Ryder with a multipurpose service dog. We are hoping this dog will help Ryder with mobility and assistance both in and out of his wheelchair. Ryder also has a very difficult form of epilepsy that has been hard to treat. We are hoping over time a dog might help predict his seizures but, more importantly, help comfort Ryder during and after these episodes. Ryder’s seizures are coming on more frequently than before. With roughly six failed medications so far, our next step is possibly surgery.

No parent likes to see their child struggle through life. Ryder amazes us every day by always having a smile on his face and doesn’t allow his impairments to stop him. With the help of his amazing therapist, Ryder is able to walk in a gait trainer and is starting to find his voice by using his AAC device to communicate.

All funds will go to adding a service dog from a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization to our family. Chris and I rarely ask for help and, to be honest, this took a lot of courage to do, but unfortunately, the cost of purchasing a fully trained service dog is out of reach financially at this time. If you have the means to donate or help in any way, please know that any contribution would make a huge difference to Ryder’s life.

Thank you for taking the time to read this and may God Bless you and your family.