I
want to be free…to be me!
Hi, I’m Joe Hruby and as you CAN’T tell I have Fetal Alcohol Syndrome the “Invisible disorder.” So let me tell you what you can’t see. I’m10 years old and in 5th grade, I was going to a special school over an hour from my home, because most schools and teachers where I live don’t understand me and my disability. After lots of training and getting to know me, I am now at my home school district, but not without struggles. I get easily confused, over stimulated and frustrated and at times can get very angry and violent, I don’t mean too, it just happens, and I don’t like it.
I need an “external brain” to help me get through my day. My external brain is usually my mom or dad, a teacher, paraprofessional, or my personal care attendant. They have the job of continually supervising me and making sure that I am safe and within my boundaries and that I know what is expected and help me through a skill or task without getting mad. Even with their help I still get frustrated and over stimulated, I throw things, tip over chairs, slam doors, and sometimes hit and kick people in my way. Loud noises, especially fire alarms, sirens make me very anxious they really “hurt my ears.” I also have a difficult time focusing in crowded places like malls, restaurants, and church because of the noise.
I’ve seen many different doctors and therapists about my behaviors, some have helpful ideas others just want to put me on medication. My mom and dad say there is no research to prove that medication could or would help me, so I am medication free. Yeah! Then my mom read the book “My Invisible World” by Morasha R. Winokur and said “Joey needs a service dog, that will be his medicine.” So from the book we did some research into 4 Paws for Ability and found our answer.
A FASD Service Dog would allow me to remain medication free, give me some independence by being my “external brain” sometimes, and a dog could comfort me, calm me, keep me safe and play with me.
WE NEED YOUR HELP… 4 Paws for Ability is a non-profit 501(c)(3) located in Ohio. Me and my family are partnering with 4 Paws for Ability to raise the $22,000 to raise and train my dog to meet my needs. You can find out more about FASD services dogs and help by making a tax deductible donation to 4 Paws for Ability in honor of Joey Hruby at : www.4pawsforability.org or by mailing a check to:
4 Paws for Ability
In Honor of Joey Hruby
253 Dayton Ave.
Xenia,Ohio45385
4 Paws for Ability
MN Organization on Fetal Alcohol Syndrome
Email Sandy
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