Tylers Journey to his Companion

Organization Image

A nonprofit fundraiser supporting

4 Paws for Ability Inc
Fundraiser image

Service dog assistance for Tyler

$11,642

raised by 80 people

$17,000 goal

Grant received

Update posted 3 years ago

I applied for a grant and we were awarded!!! We are so close to meeting our goal! Please continue to share, donate, purchase a t-shirt, or donate gently used shoes......every little bit helps!

Tyler was a fun loving, active and engaging  9 yr old middle child until Nov. 10, 2019 when he wasn't feeling 100%. He was complaining of a headache, which was followed by vomiting and becoming lethargic.  After an MRI 3 days later,  it was discovered that this was no ordinary headache and that Tyler had a brain bleed.  Tyler's condition is very rare and serious. It is called Arteriovenous Malformation(AVM).  AVM is an abnormal connection between arteries and veins in the brain. Tyler's AVM was located on his right frontal lobe, and he underwent an embolization followed by a craniotomy.  Shortly after, Tyler had a VP shunt placed for hydrocephalus(fluid in the brain). Tyler continues to attend occupational therapy and speech therapy, in order to deal with cognitive and fine motor issues. Tyler currently suffers from anxiety and depression post hospitalization, and refuses to leave the home.  He chews/sucks on various objects due to severe anxiety. He no longer represents the fun loving and active little boy he use to be. He currently sees  Neurosurgeon, Neurologist, OT, Speech, GI, Endocrinologist, psychiatrist, mental health therapist, and developmental pediatrician. He is at risk for seizures, return of AVM until the age of 30, and his VP shunt malfunctioning.

This brave little boy has been through so much and works so hard every single day. He is making progress through various therapies, but there are still many environments that are extremely overwhelming for him. To help open up the world for Tyler as much as possible and have piece of mind, his parents are in the process of getting him a service dog. The tasks that his service dog will be trained to perform will be life-changing and could be lifesaving for Tyler. 
Here are a few of the tasks Tyler’s dog will be specifically trained to do:
  • Calming  through Deep Pressure Therapy –  His dog will be trained to provide this deep pressure for Tyler when he's feeling anxious or depressed, as well as serve as a distraction from Tyler’s frustrations through cuddles. He will have a friend whom to share unconditional love with.

  • Assistance with getting help during symptoms-  His dog will be trained to bark when commanded "Help" if Tyler experiences symptoms of returning AVM, VP Shunt malfunction, and seizures

 Tyler’s service dog is coming from 4 Paws for Ability. It costs 4 Paws an average of $50,000 to raise and properly train a service dog to perform these life-changing tasks.  The Dillon family is raising $17,000 of the total cost. To help Tyler get his lifesaving service dog, credit card gifts can be made by going to: www.4pawsforability.org/donate-now

*On the 4 Paws website, please be sure to include Tyler Dillon in the description box on the second check-out page. Credit card donations can also be made over the phone at 4 Paws by calling 937-374-0385 Monday through Friday 9 AM to 4 PM EST.

To donate by check, please make checks out to 4 Paws for Ability and write on the check memo line – Tyler Dillon and mail to:

4 Paws for Ability

In Honor of Tyler Dillon

207 Dayton Ave.

Xenia, Ohio, 45385.

 Thank you for your consideration.

*Here is his story on the 4 Paws for Ability site:

https://4pawsforability.org/tyler-dillon/


This fundraiser supports

organization image

4 Paws for Ability Inc

Organized By Cindy Linares-Dillon

Giving Activity

Comments

Log in to leave a comment. Log in