Community raises money to buy disabled three-year-old a service dog
By Kurt Martone
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CORNING, New York (WENY) — Hundreds of people went bowling at Crystal Lanes in Corning Saturday to raise money to get a local boy with a rare disorder a service dog.
Stetson Stevens, who is three years old, was born with FOXG1 Syndrome, a rare genetic disorder that causes intellectual disability and movement disorders. His family is hoping to get a service dog to help him navigate seizures, sleep, mobility and everyday life.
“Stetson’s going to preschool and having to drop your kid off… for the day and be comfortable with that, this is going to add comfort for me, to know that he will be safe,” said Brittany Stevens, Stetson’s mother. “Lucy (the service dog) will help detect the seizures and get grownups and others aware so that Stetson is safe and they can take care of him properly.”
The fundraiser at Crystal Lanes helped the family get the money they need to afford the service animal, complete with raffles, live music and more. Stetson’s family says the service dog would help lighten their load in taking care of him, functioning as an extra helper around the house.
They have welcomed this new challenge of raising a special needs child with open arms, even if it means making decisions they never thought they would.
“You can’t just go down to Walmart and buy him a walker,” said Michael Geffers, Stetson’s Grandfather. “So… I build them. [I] put lift kits in for him to keep going, because you wanna see him go as much as he can possibly go. And he wants to, when I look at him, he just wants to go and I want to make it so he can keep going and be something more. I just cannot wait till the day he looks at me and stands up and, and runs to me. I believe that will happen.”
Some attendees said they are stunned by all the community turnout at the event.
“I’m just so grateful for everyone who came today,” said Alyssa Bulkley, a family friend. “It’s just amazing that all these people came to support such an amazing family.”
The family said they were grateful for everyone who came out to support them and Stetson.
“I guess this is what small town living is truly all about. Watching your community, family, and friends and loved ones come together for you and for your child. Family means so much more than I can ever, ever express,” said Stevens.
The Stevens’ needed $35,000 to pay for the service dog. They say they are on target to hit that goal, if not already reaching it through this fundraiser.
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