Hazelwood is a very active 9-year-old with Down Syndrome, intellectual challenges, autism, very poor vision, Global Developmental Delay and Speech Apraxia, according to Susan Pepper, Triad First in Families chapter coordinator.
"Josh cannot stand being confined, but when he goes outside, he tends to wander away into the woods and has been known to run out into the street. His mom and dad are very attentive and supportive but need help in keeping him safe," she said.
Josh has been given a German Shepherd puppy to be trained as a service dog, she reported, and with the proper training this dog would be able to track Joshua if he wanders from his home, parents or aide, alert the parents if Joshua gets sick, especially in the middle of the night and keep him from going out of the house or yard unless someone is with him.
Mobility Assisted Dogs of Moravian Falls is training Sheena, but it is expensive, over $5,000, and the family needs help with paying for it, according to Pepper.
"On June 12, 2010, a hot dog sale and car wash is being held at Advance Auto in Mount Airy to raise money. Miss Outer Banks will be there to sign posters and classic rock and roll will be played by Pepper’s All American Band," Pepper said.
Hazelwood's mother wants to thank everyone who has been helping her to raise money, most notably Triad First In Families, Advance Auto in Mount Airy and on Reynolda Road in Winston-Salem, Hugh Chatham Memorial Hospital, Southern Community Bank, Stanleyville Family Pharmacy, Mata #2 Sav-Go in East Bend and Dairy Freeze in Yadkinville, Pepsi, Mt. Airy Meat Distributors, and many others. Donations can be made to Triad First In Families, a program of Youth Opportunities, and are tax-deductible to the fullest extent allowed by law. For more information, call Pepper at 336-724-1412.
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