Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD) Awareness Month, observed every September, is dedicated to raising awareness about the risks of prenatal alcohol exposure and the challenges faced by individuals affected by FASD. It serves as a reminder of the lifelong impact of FASD and the importance of early intervention and compassionate care.
In 2008, 4 Paws for Ability became the first organization to place a certified FASD service dog with a young boy named Iyal. His service dog, Chancer, truly was a new chance for Iyal.
Iyal was often shy in public and didn’t understand how to engage with others. That misunderstanding brought frustration and anger, sometimes in public. He struggled to communicate with a limited vocabulary which his mom Donnie said required a unique strength to try and keep life peaceful.
Donnie Winokur, her son Iyal, and their family found that unique strength in their service dog, Chancer.
“Within two weeks, it was as though a key unlocked a door to a world of words! A part of Iyal’s brain woke up because Chancer helped unleash a flood of connections that needed to be made,” Donnie says. “Chancer softened Iyal’s edges; his affection for his boy soothed Iyal’s anger and made him want to talk to others, even strangers!”
But how did Iyal find his perfect match? Donnie credits 4 Paws for Ability’s extensive training program. “Other service dog agencies don’t train their service dogs extensively for 500 hours,” she says. “4 Paws earned our trust when we knew they would train specifically for Iyal’s challenges. 4 Paws for Ability showed a higher standard of commitment for a match that worked.”
Iyal says “Chancer helped me like myself more because Chancer made me feel more loveable.”
When Iyal was 11, his family encouraged him to try the Special Olympics. Donnie says “He was afraid he would fail.”
“We suggested he try running, and when he objected, I said, ‘Let’s bring Chancer; I know he’d love to see you run a race!’”
Then, with Chancer by his side, Iyal won many gold medals in the running events over the next several years. Chancer came to all of his practices and events. Today, Iyal still runs, bikes, and works out. At 26 years old, he still asks me if Chancer was proud of him.
At 13, Iyal was preparing for his bar mitzvah. Donnie says “Iyal’s preparation for his special day took four years of practice with a tutor. Chancer was with him at all his lessons and even on the pulpit for the service. We were told that most people had tears in their eyes watching Iyal and Chancer together for such a special occasion.”
“We have to credit our service dogs for giving Iyal an anchor, a belief in himself that he could do things he thought impossible,” Donnie says.
When asked about Chancer, Iyal said “This is Chancer! He’s my best friend. He helps me feel better when I’m sad. I love him very, very much.”
To learn more about Chancer & Iyal’s story you can click HERE or listen to the Living with FASD Podcast with guest Donnie Winokur HERE.