Cd’A rallies to raise funds for child's service dog

When Kacey Keating asked the Coeur d'Alene community for help raising funds for a service dog for her daughter, Emmy, she was overwhelmed by the support. Within 48 hours, her family raised the $20,000 they needed.

“I thought this was going to be a fight,” Keating said. “I had no idea how Coeur d’Alene would show up.”

Emmy Keating, age 6, was born with a rare genetic disorder called Coffin-Siris syndrome. Symptoms include intellectual disability and delayed development of speech and motor skills. Emmy was also recently diagnosed with epilepsy, and suffers from seizures in her sleep. Because Emmy is nonverbal, her parents struggle to identify when she needs help.

A service dog will be trained to detect Emmy’s seizures by scent and alert her parents when she needs medical assistance. 

“The dog will be with her and sleep in her room, giving us that peace of mind,” Keating said.

When Keating learned about 4 Paws for Ability in July, she knew it was a game-changer for her family. The nonprofit trains puppies specifically for an individual's needs. A service dog trained by 4 Paws for Ability can detect Emmy’s seizures, fetch her emergency medicine, gently retrieve her when she runs off, and help with mobility and emotional regulation. 

“It will really help open up her world,” said Keating. “I’d love for her to eventually be able to go to school and participate.”

The nonprofit covers the first $20,000 of the service dog's cost and requires the family to source the other funds, which is where the fundraiser came in.

Keating’s sister and mother, Hether Young and Dana Robinson, are the co-owners of Breaking Bread Artisan Bistro. They shared the fundraiser on the company Facebook, which helped it reach a larger audience. 

“It was just incredible,” said Keating. “We had people sending messages and support, people praying for her and the fundraiser. The amount of support was amazing.”

Mia Fowler, friend and neighbor of the Keating family, is one of many contributors to the fundraiser. She contributed $250. 

“If you look at the picture of Emmy, it’s like here, take all my money!” said Fowler. 

Fowler said she worries about Emmy because of her seizures, and can’t imagine the stress it puts the family under. She hopes the service dog will alleviate their stress and open up opportunities for the whole family. 

“A lot of people know them through Breaking Bread,” said Fowler. “There’s a good community. People are kind of connected and just want to help out.”

Now, the Keating family will wait 12-14 months to be matched with a service dog. Then the whole family will travel to Ohio and undergo a 10-day training regimen. 

“They call it a three-person team,” Keating said. "Since Emmy can’t handle the dog by herself, they train the parents to handle the dog.”

The Keating family has begun a second fundraiser for travel expenses such as airfare, lodging, vehicle rental, and meals. The goal is to raise $8,000 in 12 months. Keating said she is no longer worried about affording the trip, knowing her community has Emmy’s back.

To contribute to the Keating family fundraiser, visit https://www.givesendgo.com/help-bring-emmys-service-dog-home.