Support Our Clients
Make a donation to NEADS and help our clients meet their fundraising pledges that are used to help sustain our program. Read their stories here, then make your donation to NEADS.
- All Clients
- Assistance Dog
- Service Dog
- Service Dog for a Child
- Service Dog for Hearing
Abby Stavitsky & Pepper
Abby Stavitsky has over 20 years’ experience as a federal criminal prosecutor in the District of Columbia, primarily handling child abuse, domestic violence and sexual offenses. Her Assistance Dog, Pepper, helps victims, witnesses and first responders throughout the D.C. criminal justice system.
Allie Vega
Hi my name is Alexzandra Vega. People often knows me as Allie. I am a deaf mom of two beautiful children ages 6 and 2. I am also a full time student and a Relief worker helping individuals with developmental disabilities.
I am trying to work my way up in life for myself and my children, and having a hearing dog will help me become more aware of my surroundings and would be a beautiful addition to our family.
Angelia Meyer & Tyson
Since Tyson has joined me on my clinical team at the Intensive Residential Treatment Program, he has instantly created an environment of joy and encouragement.
Arthur Greenslade
Hi my name is Ted, and Bill is my service dog. Bill and I have worked together for the past 11 years. He’s been my best friend, confidant,and companion for so long it saddens me that Bill can no longer perform his duties as a service dog. So now, it’s time for Billy to kick back and enjoy retirement. He will stay with me but transition to a pet. I, on the other hand, have so much more work to do in this life and will need a new service dog…
Beth Hendrickson
Hi, my name is Beth Hendrickson. I am 36 years old and began life 14 weeks early as a micro-preemie weighing 1 lb 9 oz. I been called a fighter and got through this early trauma seemingly unscathed. I was later diagnosed with Ehlers Danlos Syndrome and Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (PoTS) and I am presently unable to either work or go to school due to medical conditions. A NEADS dog would assist me in daily life. I could continue to pursue my education.
Betsy Hamill
My name is Betsy. I’m married and have three children all in their 20’s now. In 2007 I took a medication and had a severe reaction with numerous side affects. Over the years my health declined and in 2012 I received a diagnosis of Primary Lateral Sclerosis (PLS) in the ALS family of neuro muscular disorders. I now use a walker or wheelchair to get around. My children are grown, my husband works, and I’m disabled so I spend most of my days home alone…
Blaze Fox
My name is Mary Fox and I have a beautiful boy named Blaze. Blaze is 9 years old and like most 9-year old’s, he loves to play on computer and shoot bow and arrow. However, Blaze isn’t like most 9-year olds.
Courtney Chmura & Banks
Everything happens for a reason, we don’t always understand why. I have come to believe my accident happened to bring Banks into my life and to bring me to NEADS so that I could help other clients with their fundraising.
Courtney Wang & Darcy
My name is Courtney Wang. I’m an occupational therapist at Galaxy Brain and Therapy Center, a neuro rehabilitation facility in Ann Arbor, Michigan. Galaxy is an amazing community of therapists and brain injury survivors who all work together to meet each survivor’s goals…
David Kelly
I was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis in 1988, so I have been fighting this disease for many, many years. I was recently assigned a Service Dog named Radcliffe. I have been through the two-week training with him at the NEADS campus and am looking forward to many years of help from him. One very important task that Radcliffe does for me is to pick things up that I have dropped. Over the years, this has become very difficult for me to do and having Radcliffe help me has preserved my energy to complete more of my daily living tasks on my own…..Not to mention the companionship which he brings to me! Radcliffe is so smart and loving. I wish you could meet him!
