Tuesday, February 15, 2011

News about 4 Paws for Justin!

With the many generous donations we have been blessed with, we are going to be starting a foundation to help special needs families!  Our first mission is to help Alex, a little boy, also adopted from the foster care system get the service dog he needs and his family is struggling with the fund raising process.

Alex needs a lot of help paying for his dog and will need his trip covered as well...therefore, if you are on here reading to help Justin, thank you so much, Justin has everything he needs thanks to you!  Please consider helping Alex! 

Aleken Toler

Photo of Aleken Toler, who has Severe Autism Spectrum Disorder, along with Profound Deafness, Pica, and InsomniaHello, we are the Atwell Family. We are writing this due to the new person who joined our family on December 19, 2007. Alex was born drug addicted, this includes: Oxycodone, Heroin, and barbiturates. He went through various counts of drug withdrawals for months. His birth parents weren't interested in his state of well-being, so he was placed with us at 10 days old.
As time went on, we started to notice changes in behavior, social, and communication problems. He would spin his toys round and round, along with himself. His temper tantrums started to increase, and he wouldn't watch anything but Winnie the Pooh.
Photo of Aleken Toler, who has Severe Autism Spectrum Disorder, along with Profound Deafness, Pica, and InsomniaWe took Alex to numerous doctors before we finally had an official diagnosis. He has Severe Autism Spectrum Disorder, along with Profound Deafness, Pica, and Insomnia. Genetic testing was done, and proved Alex had no genes of Autism and drugs were the main reason for his problems. He received help from Birth to Three, Huntington Autistic Center, and Ski-Hi.
These programs were to help Alex communicate with us. He is currently three years old, and these problems still remain. Alex's problems have progressed. We can't take him to the store, without a fight. He loves to go along for the ride, just not the destination. Someone has to sit with him in the vehicle, while the other person goes and purchase what our family needs. When Alex has a doctor appointment, we are to be seated in our car until they are ready for him, because his behavior problems mean we can't sit in the waiting room.
A tracking bracelet was put on him simply due to running away from us, and because of other safety reasons. It takes four people to change his diaper, because he isn't potty trained, and he kicks and screams. Last, but not least, Alex can't communicate or play with other children.
Photo of Aleken Toler, who has Severe Autism Spectrum Disorder, along with Profound Deafness, Pica, and InsomniaWe heard about 4 Paws For Ability and their Autism Assistance Dogs. We think obtaining a dog for Alex would be beneficial to him, and us. 4 Paws has a unique approach to placement. They partner with their clients and by doing so are able to place dogs without a long waiting list. It will cost 4 Paws $22,000 to place a dog with Alex. We are committed to raising $13,000 in support of the 4 Paws mission and can reach our goal with your help.
If you can help us, please visit 4 Paws Donation Page or mail a check with Alex's name on the memo line to:

4 Paws for Ability
In Honor of Aleken Toler
253 Dayton Ave.
Xenia, Ohio 45385

All proceeds are greatly appreciated, as well as tax-deductible.

Thank you and God bless. The Atwell Family


Thank you for your generousity!  Now, let's help Alex get his dog!!!

Here is his donation link:

http://www.4pawsforability.org/dream.html#AlekenToler



The Truett Family

Saturday, February 12, 2011

We are getting the help Justin needs!

Hi Everyone!

Just a few exciting updates!!!

~ A very generous family has stepped up to cover the travel expenses for the trip to Ohio and getting the dog back, as well as, the hotel fees!

~ We have gotten a number of donations from Channel 12 viewers to help with all the dogs expenses!

~The Arizona Diamondbacks President saw the news and Tim was wearing a D-back shirt in the professional photo of us...it was only on there a split second!!!  Go Tim!  They are donating money plus season tickets for all 7 of us!!!

~And finally, we did get OFFICIAL confirmation that we are in September's Training Class!  It will be here before we know it...for now, we get to sit and stare at all the dogs in training, wondering who will be the newest adoption to our family!  You can check out the dogs in training too at:  www.4pawsdogs.org/in_training.htm

~Our dog will be hypoallergenic, so it will be either a Labradoodle or a Goldendoodle and there are about a dozen or so on there training!!!

We won't know our match until the beginning of September, but if you want to make a guess, check out the dogs on the website and put the name in the comments below of who you think will be matched with Justin :-)...disclaimer...4 Paws does not ALWAYS have every dog in training on the web site...so our angel might not even be on there...but it sure if fun to guess and look.  I won't tell you who my guess is, I don't want to sway you...

We have had a really challenging five years and have tried to stay positive through all of it...we are being blessed over and over and thank God for all that he is doing for us and thank you for your support and love, we couldn't have done any of this for Justin without you!

Love,

Desiree Truett

Friday, February 4, 2011

WE DID IT!!!

With the help of literally HUNDREDS of people, we were able to raise $13,140 in just 4 months for our miracle, Justin Truett!  That means, we are getting Justin his dog!  (Pictured right, is not Justin's actual dog, but is like the kind of dog he will be getting.  He will be matched with either a Labradoodle or a Goldendoodle).  These are labs bred with poodles or golden retrievers bred with poodles to help allergy sufferers.

We will continue our fund raising efforts to help pay for the flight to Ohio, the two week stay, flying our new best friend back, and getting all the supplies we need for him or her!!!

Justin's story will be featured on Channel 12's Hero Central, this Tuesday night, Feb 8th at 10pm.  

If you wanted to donate but didn't get the chance, please consider sending a donation through Paypal to "desireetruett@gmail.com" and put in comments "Justin's Travel Fund" or use the really cool "Donate" button at the top of this page.  You may also email me if you'd like to send a check by mail and I will provide the address.  Donations made for travel expenses are NOT tax deductible, but we greatly appreciate the help.  We will need approximately $7,000 for plane tickets, lodging, and getting Justin's dog back (I love the sound of that!).

Thank you again for everyone who shared Justin's story, donated, forwarded emails, volunteered...WE DID IT because of you!

With so much love and gratitude,

The Truett Family

Tuesday, January 25, 2011

We are almost there! We only need $1500!

Here is what's going on with 4 Paws for Justin:

Justin is going to be doing an interview using his communication device through Skype with a small school in Vermont who raised funds for his dog this Friday!

Members of our church are having a benefit concert on Feb 4th in Mesa...

We are making donation jars to have at local businesses...

Our Channel 12 Hero Central segment got moved to February to a higher viewing time slot, woo hoo...

We are applying for grants and wish programs trying to get travel expenses covered...

Waypoint Church is planning a "Poker Night" sometime in March...

The slots are filling up fast in Ohio for the dog training times, we missed the August slots, however, there are two spots left for September.  Whoever gets the funding in first, gets the slots!  Please pray that if Justin's perfect new best friend is ready that we will get into one of those two spots :-).

Thank you to everyone who has donated!  At this point, $5 - $20 donations are going to make all the difference in the world.  We are overwhelmed with your generosity and love!

Please email me if you have questions or want to help at:  "desireetruett@gmail.com"

Sunday, December 5, 2010

What's Next?

We have a few things going on to help us raise the rest of the funds needed for Justin's dog!
front: Kaylee, 7, Justin, 5, Tim, Desiree, & Abbey (4)
back:  Dakota, 9, and Jamie, 8



We are working with the media to get Justin's story out.  We have been featured in the Alpha-1 Magazine, making the front cover.  We hope sharing our story will help raise the funds Justin needs.

We are also working with Channel 12 News for a segment about Justin and we will keep you posted as to the date - it will not be on until after Christmas.

Third, we are working with the Suns who are providing DEEPLY discounted tickets and donating a large portion of the sales to Justin's dog.

Allison Ahlgrimat 602-379-7873
Orders will be filled on a first-come, first-serve basis. Tickets based on availability. All sales are final.
Questions? Call Allison at 602-379-7741 or Email aahlgrim@suns.com

* * * * *Great as holiday gifts for family & friends* * * * *
Phoenix Suns
v. Philadelphia 76ers –Wednesday, December 29that 7 pm
v. Portland Trail Blazers –Friday, January 14that 8:30 pm
v. New Orleans Hornets –Sunday, January 30that 6 pm
v. Dallas Mavericks –Tuesday, February 17that 8:30 pm

Lower Level (sidelines, regularly priced $148.75)
$85

Lower Level (baselines, reg. priced $114.75)
$65

Upper Level (curves/ends, reg. priced $33.75)
$25


How can you help?

~Email this blog to everyone in your email list...someone did this and we received a $500 donation that day!

~Consider purchasing amazing Suns tickets for yourself or as a gift for Christmas!

~Check out our vendors who are donating 20% of their sales to Justin's dog!


Sunday, November 21, 2010

4 Paws for Justin Holiday Boutique!!!

The 4 Paws for Justin Holiday Boutique was an amazing success!  Not only did a dozen home based businesses gather in the Truett home in support of Justin, but so did Mr. and Mrs. Claus, friends, neighbors, and other special needs children!  It was so much fun and we raised our goal of $500!

Our vendors are STILL working for Justin!  All you have to do is your usual Christmas shopping at any of the sites below.  These vendors are committed to donating 20% of their proceeds directly to Justin's dog! Please use the links below and specify that your order is in honor of Justin Truett.  Get shopping and watch that thermometer go up, up, up!!!

Thank you to everyone who helped make this fundraiser a success!

Lia Sophia:
www.liasophia.com/amydrorbaugh

Mary Kay:
www.marykay.com/flowrs4wendy

Pampered Chef:
www.pamperedchef.biz/ashleylapp

Barefoot Books:
http://store.barefootbooks.com/?bf_affiliate_code=000-05vx-3615


Heritage:

www.heritageinyourhands.com

Scentsy Candles:
www.kathrynbird.scentsy.com

Really Unique Jewelry & Bows by Kara Martin:
http://www.etsy.com/shop/Jkmarty

Canyon Moon Designs:
canyonmoondesigns.etsy.com

Noah's Ark Workshop:

Tupperware:
my2.tupperware.com/sadiebarnum

Gold Canyon Candles:
www.mygc.com/armartinez

Creative Memories:  50% of your purchase goes to Justin's dog!
www.mycmsite.com/sites/desireetruett
 
DEEPLY discounted Suns Tickets that will raise funds for Justin's dog!
email:   aahlgrim@suns.com

Saturday, November 20, 2010

Justin's Story...

Life-threatening seizures put Justin Truett in danger!

Justin Truett...by his adoptive mother, Desiree Truett
Photo of Justin Truett, who needs a seizure service dog from 4 Paws for AbilityJustin is an amazing youngster. Born with congenital CMV, Justin has always faced a grim prognosis due in part to the following challenges:
  • Cerebral palsy
  • Profound brain damage
  • Microcephaly
  • Tube fed
  • Seizure disorder
He is a very special boy who was adopted from the foster care system. He loves life deeper than anyone you'll ever meet!
Currently, he needs an assistance / seizure alert dog for his safety. Justin is suffering from life threatening seizures. Unfortunately, he makes no noise during them and there is no machine available to monitor him. The only safety precaution available is a seizure alert dog.
He is unable to keep himself safe as he is nonverbal and immobile. He relies completely on others for his wellbeing, in fact something as simple as a blanket covering Justin's face is life threatening, as he cannot move it. An assistance dog would make sure Justin got the help he needed both in the night and when he isn't in direct sight of his parents or providers for any type of distress including seizures.
This blessing would also give Justin the security he needs to be able to enjoy life to the fullest and as much independence that is possible for him. Any donation, no matter how small, will be greatly appreciated and help our family get one more step closer to being able to sleep at night. Thank you!
Our family is partnering as volunteers with 4 Paws for Ability in order to raise funds for Justin's special service dog. Thanks from all of us!