Brayden Stephens fundraiser for 4 Paws For Ability

Hi and thank you for reading Brayden’s story. In 2012, on March 5th, my husband and I
were blessed with our first child Charles Brayden Stephens. As he became older, we noticed a delay in his speech and other milestones. In September of 2014, at the age of two, Brayden
was diagnosed with ASD, autism spectrum disorder and mixed receptive expressive language disorder. Brayden is a very sweet 10 year old boy who loves animals, playing outside, swinging, going on walks, and swimming.

Brayden is attending full time ABA therapy at Chase Behavior Solutions Clinic in Kingwood, Texas. During sessions, a variety of skills are targeted to assist Brayden in progressing to his full potential. Brayden demonstrates many characteristics that are consistent with an Autism Spectrum diagnosis, including impaired communication skills, impaired social skills, and inappropriate behaviors such as self- stimulatory behavior and elopement that impede his development. Therapists focus on receptive and expressive communication skills, independent skills, compliance, and area of deficit.

Based on the determinations from doctors and talking to other parents with children who have Autism Spectrum disorder we were told about applying to 4 Paws for Ability for a service dog. We thought a service dog would be beneficial to Brayden to help with some of his life challenges. Therefore, we applied to 4 Paws for Ability and completed the application process which included medical documentation and other approvals. Brayden was approved for the program and now we have agreed to raise $17,000 for 4 Paws for Ability. Unfortunately, training a service dog to meet the requirements for children like Brayden can be very costly. On average cost range between $40,000 – $60,000 to raise, train, and place a service dog at 4 Paws for Ability. Brayden is tasked with raising $17,000 of that amount and we are hoping that we can receive assistance to make Brayden’s dream come true.

Brayden was approved for an Autism Assistance service dog that will help him with a wide range of challenges such as social communication, adapting to a new environments, and emotional stability and elopement. In addition, this will give Brayden a non-judgmental, 24/7 friend who will love him unconditionally and show him that not everyone leaves. We believe this will help Brayden become more independent and successful in life.

Brayden is a beautiful, energetic boy and an absolute blessing to our family. We as parents want to provide our child with everything we can to help him advance. This is why we are reaching out to 4 Paws for ability for a service dog. A service dog can make a positive impact on the rest Brayden’s life that no amount of therapy, medication or alternative therapy is able to do.

How can YOU help Brayden?
Donations in support of Brayden should be made directly to 4 Paws for Ability- be sure to write
Brayden’s name on the memo line.

Mail Checks to:
4 Paws for Ability
In Honor of Brayden Stephens
253 Dayton Ave.
Xenia, Ohio, 45385.