💛 Help Mace Receive His Mobility Service Dog💛 My son Mace has shown strength since before he was even born. During my pregnancy, we underwent fetal surgery to close his spine related to Spina Bifida, giving him the best start possible. He was carried full term and arrived in April 2024 weighing a whopping 9 pounds 9 ounces — a miracle and a fighter from day one. Before his first birthday, Mace has already undergone major surgeries, including fetal repair, ankle/clubfoot surgery, and VP shunt placement. He also experienced a brain bleed complication from shunt over-drainage, requiring emergency intervention. Through every challenge, he remains the happiest little boy — smiling, army-crawling everywhere, dancing, chatting, and even floating on his own through ISR swim training. He works so hard in physical, occupational, and aqua therapy every week and continues to thrive. 🌟 Why Mace Needs a Mobility Service Dog Because of his Spina Bifida, Mace lives with lifelong mobility challenges, limited sensation in his legs, and medical needs that impact his safety and independence. As he grows, walking, balancing, and navigating the world will become much harder without proper support. A mobility service dog will help Mace with: • Balance and stability while learning to walk • Safe mobility in public places • Greater independence as he grows • Confidence during medical procedures and therapy • Emotional comfort and companionship This is support that equipment alone cannot provide. 🐾 A Serious, Two-Year Process We are partnering with W.A.G.S. 4 Kids, an incredible organization that covers the majority of the cost of training mobility service dogs for children. Receiving a service dog is a two-year process, involving early training, matching, family education, and ongoing follow-up. This journey is not taken lightly — it requires time, dedication, and a long-term commitment from both the family and the organization. We are fully invested and ready to do everything needed to give Mace this life-changing support. Our responsibility is to fundraise the remaining placement fees of 9k, which help cover: ✔ Final specialized mobility training ✔ Matching Mace with a dog suited to his needs ✔ Transition and handler training for our family ✔ Long-term support after placement ✔ Supplies and equipment 11k 💛 How You Can Help If you feel moved to support Mace, our family is grateful beyond words. Every donation, every share, and every prayer makes a real difference. Thank you for helping Mace take his next big step toward independence and mobility. From our family to yours — thank you for being part of his journey. 💛 No contribution is too small. Every dollar moves Mace one step closer to independence.