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Almost everyone who meets Stryder ends up loving him immediately. Stryder is very easy-going, and we’ve been told by so many that he has an “old soul.” He has struggled with his health for most of his life, yet NEVER complains. Unfortunately, Stryder has a very complicated medical history, including a rare, debilitating connective tissue disorder (clEDS), cervical instability, epilepsy, autonomic dysregulation, and much, much more!
Stryder and his service dog, Keebler, have been a team for more than nine years, which regrettably means it’s time for Keebler to retire, but not before he helps train Stryder’s new service dog. The trainer we chose was the head trainer at the place Keebler was trained. We have had a meeting to determine if they can train a new service dog to do the same tasks Keebler does and more, and he is confident he can make it happen as he has been following Stryder’s Story since 2014.
Service dogs are expensive but worth every penny, especially with Stryder’s conditions.
It is a bittersweet moment, and I’m sure Keebler will miss going to school with his boy every day, but he will still get to live with us and enjoy his life with people who love him.
You don’t need $20,000 to make a difference in someone’s life; even a dollar or even a share makes a huge difference.
Donations are tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law, and all funds raised will be managed by the nonprofit to cover verified medical and related expenses. We have chosen to fundraise for Help Hope Live in part because Help Hope Live assures fiscal accountability of funds raised and tax deductibility for contributors due to their 501c3 status. Contributors can be sure donations will be used to pay or reimburse medical and related expenses. To make a tax-deductible donation to this fundraising campaign, click on the Give button.
We appreciate your support!
Info@StrydersStory.com
Venmo: @angelarozewski
Paypal: angela.doescher@gmail.com
Dear Friend,
I am writing to you today to ask for your help in providing Stryder Doescher with a service dog. Stryder is a 15-year-old boy who has been diagnosed with a myriad of medical conditions, including widespread autonomic failure, Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (clEDS), epilepsy, and several others. Despite the challenges he faces, Stryder is a happy and resilient young man.
A service dog would provide Stryder with a number of benefits, including:
* Assistance with mobility: Stryder often has difficulty walking, and a service dog could help him to get around safely and independently.
* Providing emotional support: A service dog can provide companionship and emotional support to Stryder, which can help to improve his quality of life.
* Alerting to medical emergencies: A service dog could be trained to alert Stryder to changes in his vital signs, such as a drop in oxygen levels or an oncoming seizure. This could help to prevent serious medical complications.
The cost of training and providing a service dog for Stryder is significant. We are asking for your help in raising the funds needed to make this dream a reality.
There are several ways that you can help:
* You can make a financial donation. Any amount will be greatly appreciated.
* You can help us get the word out either online or in person by handing out flyers to people and businesses.
* You can volunteer your time to help with fundraising events. We will be planning several.
* You can donate goods or services to be auctioned off at our fundraiser.
For those that want to download flyers and other resources on fundraising, I am loading them all on Google Docs
I will add more as they become available. Stay tuned for more updates as well!
FAQs
*What tasks will the new service dog be trained for?
Stryder’s new service dog will be trained to alert to seizures, help pick up items off the ground, especially when he is in his wheelchair, and open doors. We are also looking for additional training to detect vitals that are either high or low, such as blood pressure, pulse, and oxygen. These tasks are some that Keebler is able to do and we hope he will train the new service dog to master those tasks the same way he has, but of course, the new dog will have training first.
*Why can’t your train a puppy yourself or with another organization?
Due to medical limitations, neither Stryder nor his mom has the time or ability to train a new service dog. Also, it takes at least two years and the dogs at Dulebohn Service Dogs have already started with the basic training. Last, Stryder has many medical needs that most places cannot train. We have reached out to every organization that people have offered and none has said they can train to his needs. We need a dog that can do Keebler’s tasks and more. Jeremy, at Dulebohn Service Dogs, helped train Keebler and has agreed to work with us on tasks beyond seizure alert. We are hoping Keebler will help the new dog learn tasks such as blood pressure rising and lowering, oxygen rates, and more. Jeremy will choose a dog that has natural abilities and train it to alert to various things and also pick up items for Stryder while he is in his wheelchair.
*What happens if extra money comes in?
Any extra funds that come in as a result of your efforts support other medical funds that may come up. Help Hope Live donations are applied directly to medical costs, including the new service dog.
*How much money do we have to pay/raise?
Our contract states it will be $16,000 for the dog and then we will need funds for travel to “learn how to use the dog.” We are looking to raise $22,000 for travel and the new service dog.
*How long does it take to get a service dog?
There is a period of time between the completion of fundraising or payment of the fee for service and placement. This time frame can be at least 2 years, as the dog must be bred, raised, and trained.
*Why does it cost so much?
A large majority of service dog agencies list their dogs as “no cost to the recipient,” which is often taken to mean “free.” However, service dogs are not free. The agency placing the dogs, “at no cost to the recipient” has received donations for the funding of the dog placement. In other words, someone other than the recipient paid for the training of his or her dog.
These agencies have a person, or a small number of people, doing the fundraising. They are able to raise funds and the amount of dogs placed is limited to the fundraising they are able to complete on behalf of the organization. This is part of the reason service dog organizations that place service dogs with children tend to have very long wait lists – an average of five to ten years, some even higher! Some agencies aren’t even accepting applications, as their waitlist will keep them busy for the foreseeable future.
The partial payment-for-service model allows us to expand our fundraising reach. More fundraising is done in less time to more potential donors.
We are in the process of making Stryder's website that will house FAQs, events, fundraising ideas, and more.
If you would like to help us or have any ideas, please message angela@StrydersStory.com
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From your friends at Bend La Pine Transportation!
Dan Anderson
Go, Team Stryder! Life isn't easy but with help, it gets better.
MaryLiz Schoenfeld
My wife, Sandra Collett, is a school bus driver for Bend/La Pine Schools. She is familiar with Stryder's problem and glad to contribute. The Hope organization seems to e a wonderful way to help.
Gordon Collett
My son Parker is an 8th grader at Sky View and he is friends with Stryder. They would have lunch together in Mrs. Roberts room last year. He’s excited to see him again at Mtn View next year. Please tell him hi from Parker!
Megan Blodgett
So happy Keebler is able to stay with you guys and help train the new pup. Cant wait to see what new furry blessing you get this time! :)
Melanie Kehoe
Stryder I know this is not a huge donation but will share this post with others. Enjoy our retirement Keebler. My prayers are with you Stryder, always.
Janet Kopacz
Give Keebler some hugs for me.
Bryan Greiner
Best of luck!
Caleb Diaz
Love and hugs to Keebler !!!
Annette Shears
The Rowes love you!
Anjalee Rowe
An amazing young man! Keebler will enjoy his golden years catching naps, and leisurely walks. A new puppy has a big paws to fill, I know they can do it!
Lindy
Sending best wishes and gratitude for Stryder’s inspirational story
Dane Vandernat
Make checks payable to:
Help HOPE Live for Stryder Doescher
Mail to:
Help Hope Live
2 Radnor Corporate Center
Suite 100
100 Matsonford Road
Radnor, PA 19087
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