About Our Sweet Boy:
Ben David II is our very special two-year-old boy. Of my five children, he is my only little prince, and he is absolutely ADORED by his four sisters! He loves Cars (LMQ), Wall-E, splashing in water (He ALWAYS finds the water!), wagon rides, getting muddy, climbing furniture, opening and closing doors on repeat, turning light switches on and off on repeat, buckling ALL the buckles, playing Peek-A-Boo, back flips, and spinning in his sensory swing... A LOT! His favorite morning treat is tater tots and milk. He is not a big fan of keeping his socks and shoes on his feet. He loves tickles, cuddles, and lots of kisses. He is such a STRONG little boy with the SWEETEST heart!
Ben David's Diagnosis:
Ben David was recently diagnosed with Dravet Syndrome, which is a rare, lifelong, genetic form of epilepsy.
His diagnosis came July 2026 when a mutation was discovered in his SCN1A gene. The loss of proper function of this gene affects the sodium channels in his brain causing prolonged, refractory seizures to occur. They are extremely difficult to control and can be life threatening.
Ben David's Journey:
In his two years, he has struggled with several seizure types, developmental delays, elopement, and is non-verbal. We have tried several medications in an attempt to manage the frequency of his seizures. We have yet to find his therapeutic combination, but there are still SO many options available and, as he grows, changes will continue to be made to his regimen to keep up with his growth and brain development.
Ben David has experienced an MRI, several EEGs, bloodwork, several hospital stays, and even taken his very first helicopter ride. Benny currently participates in ABA five days per week, Speech Therapy two days per week, and is being treated by a new neurology team in TX.
Our Wishes for Ben David:
As his family, we want to do everything we can to help him navigate the world around him, support his needs the best we can, and give him every opportunity to thrive, but also maintain the highest level of safety possible.
For Ben David, a specially trained service dog could provide another level of safety. This could offer earlier seizure detection, more immediate response from family and medical care teams, an anchor during attempts to elope, a softer landing to falls at the onset of seizures, immediate access to rescue medications as they could be carried in the vest of a service dog, postictal comfort, safer sleep, everyday companionship, and so much more.
An Act of Love for Our Little Prince:
A service dog is a substantial out-of-pocket medical expense that we are simply unable to manage on our own. So, we are humbly reaching out for help from our family, friends, friends of friends, community, and anyone kind enough to help make this a possibility for our sweet Benny. Every contribution, no matter how small, means more than you know. 💜
Funds received are intended for the purchase of a dog from the breeder, dog food and supplies during training, and any travel expenses required for the trainer or ourselves throughout the process.
(In the event we are unable to raise enough funds for a service dog, all funds raised will go directly toward hospital bills, medical expenses, therapy costs, equipment, or any special needs or services for Ben David II in order to provide relief from any financial hardships that may arise.)
A Very Special Thank You!
We want to thank everyone for your kindness, generosity, love, prayers, and support! This has not been easy for our family, but we have such a strong warrior that keeps us all on our toes! It takes a village and, even in difficult seasons, we are reminded of how blessed we are by the life we share and the incredible people who surround us. We are so grateful for the resources that have been made available to Ben David and our family, and for all of the amazing programs we participate in and the special hearts that continue to care and love our boy each and every day! We couldn't do it without you!
About Burkel Service Dogs:
Burkel Service Dogs trains custom service dogs for children and adults living with disabilities and medical conditions. Each dog is matched to one person and trained for that person's specific needs. Ben David's dog will be trained to support him with seizures, including medical alert, fall prevention, and care after a seizure, such as staying with him, bringing help, and helping him recover safely. Training takes about a year, and owner Mike Burkel and his training team work with each family before and after placement, so the dog and handler succeed together. Burkel Service Dogs is based in the Phoenix, Arizona area with an office in Minnesota, and places dogs with families across the country.
To learn more about Burkel Service Dogs, visit:
Service Dogs Trained for One Person | Burkel Service Dogs
Share and Spread Awareness:
Please share in as many places you can (text, email, socials, etc.) and help us bring a truly special life-saving companion home for Benny!
Header Photograph by: Wildsage & Honey Co.
