Service Dog for Nick Mace
Donation protected
Nicholas Mace, a senior at East High School in Pueblo, Colorado will tell you he has, “Had a very interesting life.” He is in need of a service dog and the East Key Club is helping Nick bring a canine companion into his life. 
When Nick went to look for a service dog, "Maddy" came up to Nick and licked hime on the face....he knew he had found the right match. Please help us raise funds to train Maddy to be his service dog. The cost is approximately $3000 and we would like to purchase Maddy some supplies and food as well.
Here is Nick's story:
It is typical of Nick to downplay the difficulties he has encountered during his life. Not only was he born with bilateral club feet, which required corrective surgery when he was 22 months old, but he was diagnosed with a very rare disease at the age of 3 ½. Kawasaki’s Disease, or KD, is a febrile disease of unknown origin that is the leading cause of acquired heart disease in children. Although coronary damage can be minimized if the child is diagnosed within 3-5 days of its onset, Nick was not so fortunate; he was on life support for 21 days before diagnosis and almost died several times. He was left with multiple giant coronary aneurysms which have since regressed, though one does remain even as stenosis builds on the inside of his coronary arteries.
As if he has not had enough challenges to overcome, Nick had a stroke at the age of 13. The doctors suspect that this was related in some way to the KD. The stroke caused a traumatic brain injury and as a result he developed intractable epilepsy. His seizures are not controlled by medication (16 pills a day) or by the Vagus Nerve Stimulator (VNS) device implanted in his chest three years ago. He continues to suffer 2-3 seizures a day and requires round-the-clock care from family and the school paraprofessionals who monitor his health, wellness, and learning needs. His seizures come with no warning and leave him fatigued and confused. Between the medication and the neurological electrical storms, Nick has little short term memory that has led to difficulties in learning.
Nick, in addition to having epilepsy and heart disease, has also been diagnosed as having Autism Spectrum Disorder, though fortunately he is considered to be High Performing. He is talented in music and has taught himself how to play multiple instruments including the clarinet, trombone, cornet, baritone, and is learning how to play the guitar.
No matter what Nick deals with on a daily basis, he remains positive, kind, caring, and intelligent. His family has come to realize that his health problems will severely limit his ability to live independently. Right now, he is not able to go for a walk by himself, much less ride a bicycle or drive a car. His greatest wish is to have a service dog who will be his companion, help keep him safe, and give him that taste of independence he so desperately needs.
Thank you!
When Nick went to look for a service dog, "Maddy" came up to Nick and licked hime on the face....he knew he had found the right match. Please help us raise funds to train Maddy to be his service dog. The cost is approximately $3000 and we would like to purchase Maddy some supplies and food as well. Here is Nick's story:
It is typical of Nick to downplay the difficulties he has encountered during his life. Not only was he born with bilateral club feet, which required corrective surgery when he was 22 months old, but he was diagnosed with a very rare disease at the age of 3 ½. Kawasaki’s Disease, or KD, is a febrile disease of unknown origin that is the leading cause of acquired heart disease in children. Although coronary damage can be minimized if the child is diagnosed within 3-5 days of its onset, Nick was not so fortunate; he was on life support for 21 days before diagnosis and almost died several times. He was left with multiple giant coronary aneurysms which have since regressed, though one does remain even as stenosis builds on the inside of his coronary arteries.
As if he has not had enough challenges to overcome, Nick had a stroke at the age of 13. The doctors suspect that this was related in some way to the KD. The stroke caused a traumatic brain injury and as a result he developed intractable epilepsy. His seizures are not controlled by medication (16 pills a day) or by the Vagus Nerve Stimulator (VNS) device implanted in his chest three years ago. He continues to suffer 2-3 seizures a day and requires round-the-clock care from family and the school paraprofessionals who monitor his health, wellness, and learning needs. His seizures come with no warning and leave him fatigued and confused. Between the medication and the neurological electrical storms, Nick has little short term memory that has led to difficulties in learning.
Nick, in addition to having epilepsy and heart disease, has also been diagnosed as having Autism Spectrum Disorder, though fortunately he is considered to be High Performing. He is talented in music and has taught himself how to play multiple instruments including the clarinet, trombone, cornet, baritone, and is learning how to play the guitar.
No matter what Nick deals with on a daily basis, he remains positive, kind, caring, and intelligent. His family has come to realize that his health problems will severely limit his ability to live independently. Right now, he is not able to go for a walk by himself, much less ride a bicycle or drive a car. His greatest wish is to have a service dog who will be his companion, help keep him safe, and give him that taste of independence he so desperately needs.
Thank you!
Organizer
Pueblo East Booster Club
Organizer
Pueblo, CO