HomeMy WebLinkAboutThe Lucknow Sentinel, 2014-02-19, Page 5www.lucknowsentinel.com
A boy in need of a dog
Robert is a dynamic and spirited
young boy whose enthusiasm and
love for life is inspiring. He loves to
swim, be active outdoors an dis a
whiz with electronics. His problem
solving skills far surpass his age. His
little sister, Lydia, idolizes him. Rob-
ert's parents, Craig and Marian Jeffer-
son, have been equally as inspiring in
their desire to support Robert in
growing into an independent young
man. Their dreams for Robert are
much like any parent's dreams for
their children however, Robert's path
is complicated by Autism.
Autism, or Autism Spectrum Disor-
der (ASD), describes a group of com-
plex disorders of brain development. It
is categorized by repetitive behaviors,
difficulties in social interaction and
communication (both verbal and non-
verbal) varying in degree of severity.
Individuals may experience unusual
responses to sensory stimuli, or resist
changes to their environment or daily
routines. Alternatively, some autistic
individuals excel in visual skills, music,
math and art. The U.S. Centres for
Disease Control, (CDC) states that
autism affects approximately one out
of 88 children. Early intervention is
critical.
Robert is described as high -func-
tioning and non-verbal. He has an
entire team of therapists helping him
in his home on an almost -daily basis,
helping to decode how he learns. By
unlocking this gem, Robert can learn
communication, social and cognitive
skills that are widely taken for granted
by the general population. The next
step in assisting Robert to become a
confident, independent young man,
ready to safely step out into the world,
is to welcome a service dog into his
family. He has been approved through
National Service Dogs in Cambridge.
Multiple research papers have been
published supporting the positive
effects of service dogs for children
with Autism. A service dog remains a
constant in every aspect of the child's
life, allowing them to focus on the dog,
thus feeling secure in new environ-
ments, as well as supplying tactile dis-
traction to redirect the child to more
positive behaviors, alleviating anxiety
and outbursts. Service dogs also
increase safety levels and encourage
socialization, allowing their families
more freedom to explore experiences
they would have previously avoided. A
dog will help Robert engage more
appropriately with others, allowing
him to learn and to grown, and to
shine in his brilliance.
In order to make this dream a reality
for Robert and the Jefferson family, we
need to raise funds to support the
costs of training such a uniquely qual-
ified dog. The goal is $30,000. Every lit-
tle bit counts.
There will be multiple fund raising
events over the next year. Your dona-
tions of service or discounts would be
greatly appreciated. One such event
will be Family Fun Day, Aug. 16 for
which we are looking for vendors,
activities and entertainment for chil-
dren and food for a barbeque. There
will be an Oktoberfest Dance on Sep-
tember 27 where we are holding a
silent auction. If you have a gift for the
silent auction, please contact Janice
Wright at 519-357-4757 or Marian Jef-
ferson at 529-357-4119 for pick-up or
delivery. In addition, a compilation
cookbook is in the works and will
require printing as well as locations to
sell or advertise. For more informa-
tion, on how you can help, or to offer
your services, please contact the ladies
above by phone or email: Marian at
marian_krijna@yahoo.ca, or Janice at
66jwright@gmail.com. Monetary
donations are also welcomed and
greatly appreciated.
Wednesday, February 19, 2014 • Lucknow Sentinel 5
Breathe through
a straw
for 50 seconds.
That's what
breathing is like
with cystic fibrosis.
No wonder so many
people with CF
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in their early 30s.
Please help us.
il,cryk
Canadian Mystic
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1 -800-378-CCFF • wruww_cyrsticfibrosis.ca
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