Hello there. Some may know me and some may not, so let me introduce myself. My name is Roman, I am 4 years old, and I was born with a rare gene mutation called L1CAM. L1CAM comes from the L1 protein not facilitating cell-cell adhesion which leads to neuronal functions. These functions impede the growth and development of the brain causing intellectual disability, spasticity, and adducted thumbs. Each case varies from person to person. Women are carriers of this gene, but the birth defects are only shown in males. My mom is a carrier and there was a 50/50 chance I would be born with this rare condition.
Doctors encouraged my mom to abort me due to my “failure to thrive” in life. They also said if I did survive, I would be a vegetable and non-responsive or non-interactive. But my mom believes in a higher physician called Jesus Christ, and here I am happy as can be.
My life has not been the easiest since birth, but I am still blessed. This condition has caused me to be delayed physically and mentally. I am non-verbal, sitting and standing with assistance, and I'm learning to walk and talk. I depend on my mom and caregivers heavily because I am unable to do things on my own.
November 2023, things changed in my life. I had my first seizure. I went through the first 3 years of my life rarely being sick and never having a seizure. I was quickly sent to the local ER and later airlifted to Duke Children’s Hospital. I spent a week in the hospital running tests trying to figure out what triggered the seizure. The doctors could not find a trigger and my brain never showed any more seizure activity during my stay, they added to the chart of diagnosis, epileptic, and I was discharged.
In February 2025, I had my second seizure. It was the same type of seizure as the first one. Again, before the seizure, I had not been sick or anything. My Neurologist called it a “breakthrough seizure”. The seizures happen sporadically with no warning or cause. With this type of epilepsy along with my other disabilities, I would benefit from having a service dog. A service dog would help detect when a seizure is about to occur, alert my mom or caregiver when I am seizing, help roll me on my side, and comfort me until help comes (fun fact: before a seizure happens, your body releases a hormone, the dog will pick up on the hormone and will alert someone to help you). A service dog will benefit me physically, mentally, and emotionally.
I am in the process of getting a puppy from Sara Rigdon, owner of Walnut Tree Bernedoodles
Feel free to contact her at:
I have found a thorough trainer, Ryan, who will take the time and help mold the puppy into a service dog to fit my needs.
Feel free to contact him:
https://deercreeknc.com/canine-training
910-947-1141
Acquiring a service animal is a long and extensive process. It can also be costly. On average, a service animal costs between $15,000 to $30,000 up front. With that being said, I am raising money for the expenses. I only want to raise $15,000 for everything. This price will include the dog and the training the dog will require. I have numerous therapies weekly, and multiple doctor appointments monthly in Charlotte and Duke and though my mom works super hard to provide for me, these bills, and trips add up. We would greatly appreciate your support whether it be monetary, words of encouragement, or prayers. Thank you, Roman Locklear
