It is with utmost pride that we introduce our 3 year old daughter, Maggie.
Maggie was born with microcephaly, epilepsy, hearing loss, and vision problems. After almost 2 years of numerous doctor visits and blood tests, we finally received a diagnosis. Maggie had been infected with Lymphocytic Choriomeningitis Virus, an illness received in utero that does its most damage to a pregnant woman’s baby’s brain.
Behind Maggie’s very petite frame is the most energetic, contagious smile. She is the sweetest 3-year-old girl who loves dancing to music, playing with dogs, and spending time snuggling with her family. Maggie is currently a nonverbal child, who lacks focus and stability, but her epilepsy seems to be causing us the most trouble lately. She was put on anti-seizure medication at 6 months of age and remained seizure free for 18 months. Unfortunately, her seizures came back, and returned even more serious. The pediatric neurologist increased the dosage and added more medications, but she continued to seize. It was at this point that Maggie’s team began recommending we add more tools to help Maggie succeed in life. We have already acquired emergency medicine and a monitor to help us during seizures, we are trying our best to learn ASL and use a communication device, but our final task is to help our daughter receive a service dog to help detect her seizures and keep her safe from harm.
A service dog will be able to help detect seizures, reduce and calm meltdowns, direct focus issues, reduce impulse control, flight risk, instability, and anxiety. In addition, this will give Maggie a non-judgmental, 24/7 friend who will love her unconditionally. We believe this will help Maggie become more independent and successful in life.
We did all of our research on the best service dog programs of the nation for our Maggie and applied to 4 Paws for Ability in Denton, Ohio. After all the paperwork and interviews, Maggie was approved for the program in March 2023!
Training a service dog can be very costly. On average it costs between $40,000-60,000 to raise, train, and place a service dog at 4 Paws for Ability. In order to acquire the dog, we will need to raise $20,000.
We hope with your help we can secure a best friend and partner for Maggie.
Donations in support of Maggie should be made directly to 4 Paws for Ability – be sure to write Maggie’s name on the memo line. Mail checks to:
4 Paws for Ability
In Honor of Maggie Scarpetta
207 Dayton Ave.
Xenia, Ohio, 45385.
Donors/Client families are welcome to make a credit card donation in two ways:
1. Call 4 Paws for Ability at our main line (937-374-0385) during regular business hours (Monday-Friday from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Eastern time)
2. Donate using the form below