Service Dog to transform special needs child's life in 2024
In a heartwarming tale of community compassion, the Glenview neighborhood rallied together two years ago to extend a helping hand to a local special needs child, Liam. The goal was clear: Raise funds to provide Liam with a much-needed service dog that would significantly enhance his quality of life. Among the heroes of this story is Ten-Ninety Brewery, a local business that spearheaded a remarkable fundraiser, raising over $8,000 towards the cost of training the service dog. But the journey to this transformational partnership was not without its challenges.
The initial surge of fundraising excitement was met with an unexpected hurdle - COVID-19. The pandemic's arrival in 2020 brought life as we knew it to a standstill, temporarily halting the community's fervent efforts to raise funds for Liam's service dog. The world's focus shifted to new priorities, and the Espina family's pursuit took a backseat.
Yet, amid the uncertainty, a ray of hope emerged. In 2022, an anonymous donor extended a helping hand and generously contributed the remaining funds required for Liam to receive his service dog through 4 Paws for Ability. This act of kindness rekindled the community's spirit, reigniting the flame of transformation for young Liam.
Liam, an 11-year-old with a radiant spirit, was diagnosed with autism at the age of 3. His early years were marked by developmental delays, including a delayed onset of speech, which he achieved at nearly 5 years old. Liam's struggles extended beyond communication challenges; he battled elopement, a behavior where he could potentially run away at a moment's notice. Additionally, he faced difficulties in transitioning from preferred to non-preferred situations, struggled with mobility issues, and employed repetitive speech and sounds as a coping mechanism.
The Espina family, warmly welcomed into the Glenview community in 2017, experienced an outpouring of support. The community extended its hand, providing Liam with opportunities to participate in Glenview Youth Baseball, engage in Glenview Park District Summer Camp programs, and even partake in the local karate program at Fonseca Dojo.
In January of 2023, the Espina family received incredible news - Liam would finally be receiving his service dog in early 2024. The journey involves a trip to Xenia, Ohio, where they will spend 10 days training alongside their new furry companion at 4 Paws for Ability. The service dog's training is comprehensive, encompassing tracking, behavior redirection, assistance with mobility challenges, tethering, and aiding in transitions. The training trio comprises the service dog, Liam, and a trained adult.
Among the many benefits of this partnership, the service dog's ability to track Liam's unique scent is paramount. In the event of an elopement situation, the service dog's tracking skills can provide peace of mind and a rapid response. Additionally, Liam's newfound independence will be nurtured, enabling him to attend Springman Middle School with the invaluable assistance of his middle school assistant and service dog.
With the anticipated arrival of Liam's service dog on the horizon, the Espina family finds themselves in a position to reach out to the Glenview community once again. The family is seeking support to help offset the costs of travel and lodging during the 10-day training period at 4 Paws for Ability. Their GoFundMe page, located at https://gofund.me/4bc4904c, is a platform for kind-hearted individuals to contribute to Liam's journey towards greater independence and a fuller life.
This heartwarming story truly underscores the age-old wisdom that it takes a village to raise a child. The Glenview community's unwavering support for Liam exemplifies the power of compassion and unity in making a significant impact on a young life. Together, they are transforming challenges into triumphs, proving that by standing together, we can create a brighter, more inclusive future for all.