Support Our Clients
NEADS clients pledge to support the organization by raising $8,000 to help sustain our programs. You can join the hundreds of people who make a donation to NEADS and help our clients meet their fundraising pledges. Read their stories here, then make your donation to NEADS.
- All Clients
- Assistance Dog
- Clients Fundraising for Others
- 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. Her Assistance Dog, Pepper, helps victims, witnesses and first responders…
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.
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.
Austin Dean
Hi my name is Austin and I am 14 years old. I have Autism. My parents tell me I am high functioning. I also have trouble focusing and can be very impulsive. I am nervous and anxious a lot. I have always been socially awkward and struggle to make friends. I think it is because…
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…
Beth Johnson
This Dog is Coming to School! For years, first as a teacher and now as an administrator, I have been thinking about what a difference a dog would make for so many students in our school. For students who have difficulty trusiting people, or those who have challenges coming to school, a dog can become…
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).
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.
Carly Smrz
Hello there! My name is Carly. I am 31 years old and I have CHARGE Syndrome. When I was born 31 years ago, doctors told my parents that their beautiful little girl would never be able to do anything that an average healthy child is able to do. My parents persevered and became determined to…
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…
Diane Bertolino
Hi, my name is Diane Bertolino and I live in Natick, Ma. I grew up loving and playing all sports and was always very active until 19 years ago when I was diagnosed with CRPS (Chronic Regional Pain Syndrome) after an accident, which has left me on crutches and other medical equipment. Since then I…
Donna Kerr & Lily
Since I’ve gotten Lily my life has gotten so much better! I have become more independent and sure of myself. It’s wonderful to have someone around all the time to help me, sometimes without even having to ask. It’s like we’ve been partnered a lot longer than just a couple months. …
Edison Boots
My name is Edison and I am 8 years old. I am very affectionate and active. I love playing with my brothers and my sister, building with legos, and learning everything there is to know about dinosaurs! Having Autism and ADHD makes some day to day activities a bit more difficult.
Ellen Smith
Maggie is my 1st NEADS Service Dog and we have been partners since 2010. Due to her love, assistance, and dedication, I have been able to improve the quality of my life. But, the time has come for Maggie to retire and be replaced with a younger dog.
Emma Faye Rudkin
Emma Faye is getting a hearing dog! This dog will help navigate Emma Faye’s everyday tasks and traveling as a deaf individual. She is excited to add into this beautiful adventure a canine companion. They will sign/speak &bark to 100’s of people together!
Erin Sullivan & Harry
Hi! My name is Erin Sullivan. I have been a clinician and school adjustment counselor for almost 20 years. My favorite population to work with is teenagers. Currently, I am a school adjustment counselor at Millis High School. MHS is a small public school with about 400 students. In my role there, I work to help support the students through the school day and their lives. It is a rewarding job that I am passionate about…
Gabriel Altland
We have been blessed with three children, all of whom have unique needs. Gabriel, our oldest and only son, has autism spectrum disorder. Most people are not aware of his daily struggles and hardships. We have learned so much, been stretched past our comfort zone, became advocates over the past nine years. Autism just doesn’t…
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