Matthew is an incredible little character who holds a special place in our hearts. Full of sweetness and affection, he has an identical twin brother named John-Michael. The journey of both these boys began with adversity, as they faced a challenging road from the time they were 20 weeks in my belly. Born extremely premature due to twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome (TTTS), their early arrival necessitated multiple surgeries to ensure they stayed in the womb for as long as possible. Matthew, being the recipient twin, had to cope with more nutrients, placing additional strain on his organs compared to his brother. He defied the odds, though, displaying tremendous resilience. Despite facing multiple obstacles, Matthew is a true miracle.

Matthew's journey has been affected by his diagnosis of autism, he is nonverbal and has anxiety. However, he finds joy in playing with blocks and organizing his toys, demonstrating a love for order and structure. Books hold a special place in his heart, and he thoroughly enjoys reading time. When it comes to technology, Matthew finds solace in games on his iPad or Leap Frog, although he often finds himself engaged in friendly disputes with his brother over the same device. His favorite applications include Khan Academy Kids and Otismo, both of which cater to his educational and developmental needs. Matthew's preferred shows consist of Number Blocks and Signing Time, captivating him with their engaging content. Movies like Moana, Home, and Raya the Last Dragon evoke his enthusiasm and transport him to exciting imaginary worlds. In his downtime, Matthew explores his creativity through drawing and painting, embracing artistic expression.

Currently, we are diligently working on his speech development, collaborating with a team of therapists who support him on his journey toward communication. In our quest to provide Matthew with the tools he needs to thrive, we believe that a service dog will play a vital role in his development, allowing him to learn self-regulation and enhance his social skills. Dogs possess remarkable qualities, serving as loyal companions, offering unconditional love, and providing comfort during times of stress. Scientifically proven to help autistic children improve social skills and manage anxiety, a service dog would be an invaluable addition to our family.

Our deep appreciation and respect for animals fuel our desire to have a furry friend join us, enriching our lives and becoming an integral part of our family. The opportunity to welcome a service dog into our home would be an immense honor. Not only would it support Matthew's well-being, but it would also allow us to experience the incredible bond and affection that dogs bring to our lives. Animals are the ultimate snuggle buddies, exuding love unconditionally. It would be our privilege to extend our family to include a furry companion who offers unwavering companionship and support.

Together, with your generous support and charitable contributions, we can make Matthew's dream of having a service dog a reality. Your assistance would not only allow Matthew to grow and thrive but would also bring immeasurable joy and comfort to our entire family. We are eternally grateful for your consideration in helping us embark on this transformative journey.

OR You can also mail a check or money order to:

W.A.G.S. 4 Kids, 112 East Center Street, Berea, OH 44017

Please indicate your donation is "for Matthew" on the memo line of any check or money order.