Hello and thank you for reading our son’s story. Please let me introduce you to our son Terrence. Terrence has Tuberous Sclerosis Complex, Autism, and Epilepsy. He began having seizures at three days old. Terrence has had 20 or more seizures in one day. He has a complex case of epilepsy with multiple tumors on his brain. Terrence requires 24-hour supervision, as a seizure can occur anywhere (walking, playing, eating, bathing, or in his sleep). Some days Terrence experience very rough seizures that requires medical intervention of a VNS magnet with use of emergency seizure medication that is always necessary to stop his seizures. Terrence has many drop seizures where he falls to the floor that causes head injuries or other body injuries sometimes. His most recent fall was very hard on him. I was in the same room with him and I wasn’t able to catch him in time. It was very horrifying to watch. Terrence is very emotional after he recovers from a seizure with feelings of sadness, guilt, shame, and frustration. This is even more heartbreaking to witness. We believe his very own specially trained seizure assistance dog will help keep Terrence safe by making sure we (his parents) know when he is having a seizure, offer comfort, and also provide greater independence for Terrence. The real truth is as the parent of someone with special needs, I can tell you that life is a very hard and emotional journey. You do your best to figure out what to do next that will help your child live life to his fullest potential. You then do everything possible to keep your kid safe. A seizure assistance dog for Terrence will be life changing and life saving!
Based on the determinations from doctors and talking with others who have the same issues, we were told about applying for a service dog as they thought it would be beneficial to help Terrence with his life challenges. By partnering with 4 Paws for Ability, we are taking steps to try to avoid or minimize a serious injury from a seizure. 4 Paws for Ability train service dogs to recognize the scent changes related to when a child is having a seizure. 4 Paws has a high success rate in the seizure assistance dog responding to the seizure either during the seizure, or at times, even before! Terrence has balance needs as a result of a seizure and 4 Paws is able to train the service dog to provide balance support. If Terrence is struggling behaviorally or emotionally, his service dog can be a great tool to provide task trained calming, comforting and redirecting support. Terrence’s seizure dog will become his very best friend.
Terrence was approved for the program and now we are tasked with raising $17,000 and hoping that we can receive assistance to make Terrence’s dream come true. On average it costs between $40,00-$60,000 to raise, train, and place a service dog at 4 Paws for Ability.
As parents, don’t we all want what’s best for our children? Don’t we want to protect our children and keep them safe? We greatly appreciate any and all help that is given to help continue to protect and keep Terrence safe, even if it’s sharing this with your friends and family. A service dog can make a positive impact on the rest of Terrence’s life that No amount of therapy, medication, or alternative therapy is able to do.
How can YOU help Terrence?
Donations in support of Terrence Hamilton, Jr. should be made directly to 4 Paws for Ability – be sure to write Terrence’s name on the memo line. Mail checks to:
4 Paws for Ability
In Honor of Terrence Hamilton
253 Dayton Ave.
Xenia, Ohio, 45385.
If you wish to make an online donation, the website is www.4pawsforability.org/donate-now (Links to an external site.) . Include Terrence’s name in the memo line so that the amount is credited to his account!
Thank you for your time and assistance.
Terrence Hamilton Jr. and Family