Sodexo Blog: The Willow Bean Café Serves Hope in Every Cup
August 5, 2015Sodexo Blog: Focusing on Abilities Unites Coworkers with and without Disabilities
August 27, 2015Boy with Rare Disease Needs Service Dog…
Our Ability was asked to help find a service dog – please read post from his mom Renee Yager Farrell …
Callen
Callen is an energetic four year old boy that is diagnosed with a rare Children’s Interstitial Lung Disease called Neuroendocrine Cell Hyperplasia of Infancy. For the time being, he is on oxygen continuously. He has been on oxygen for two and a half years. The amount of time that he will continue to need full-time oxygen is uncertain; however, it does not appear that he will be without his tube anytime in the near future. Despite being on oxygen, Callen still wants to play like any other kid, but he can only go as far as his tube can go. He also has been diagnosed with Apraxia, which makes it difficult for him to communicate what he is thinking, as well as issues with gross and fine motor skills. Additionally, he is diagnosed with anxiety. His doctors believe this stems from a combination of the Apraxia and undergoing many medical procedures. Callen’s parents and doctors think it would be very beneficial for him to have a service dog. Having a service dog to carry his tanks would give him back some of the freedom that being on oxygen has taken away while also helping him overcome his anxiety in social situations.
