Dog gives sick boy strength

Friday, March 19, 2010

headshotsnh.com/Joanne Smith The Dainiak's held an event at Bounce U on March 8 to thank the people from Make a wish, the Manchester Firefighter and the community who made Nicholas' wish come true. Elizabeth and Larry Schulte, from Make a Wish, were the wish granters for Nicholas' wish.

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headshotsnh.com/Joanne Smith The Dainiak's held an event at Bounce U on March 8 to thank the people from Make a wish, the Manchester Firefighter and the community who made Nicholas' wish come true. Nicholas had great fun at Bounce U.

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headshotsnh.com/Joanne Smith The Dainiak's held an event at Bounce U on March 8 to thank the people from Make a wish, the Manchester Firefighter and the community who made Nicholas' wish come true. Nicholas with his dog, Shane, and Mom Heather.

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headshotsnh.com/Joanne Smith The Dainiak's held an event at Bounce U on March 8 to thank the people from Make a wish, the Manchester Firefighter and the community who made Nicholas' wish come true. Shane was very well behaved at Bounce U.

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headshotsnh.com/Joanne Smith The Dainiak's held an event at Bounce U on March 8 to thank the people from Make a wish, the Manchester Firefighter and the community who made Nicholas' wish come true. Pictured with Shane are members of the committee that organized the Manchester Fire Fighters Ride for Charity. They raised $12,500 to make Nicholas' wish come true.

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headshotsnh.com/Joanne Smith The Dainiak's held an event at Bounce U on March 8 to thank the people from Make a wish, the Manchester Firefighter and the community who made Nicholas' wish come true. Pictured with Shane are members of the committee that organized the Manchester Fire Fighters Ride for Charity. They raised $12,500 to make Nicholas' wish come true.

Enlarge

headshotsnh.com/Joanne Smith The Dainiak's held an event at Bounce U on March 8 to thank the people from Make a wish, the Manchester Firefighter and the community who made Nicholas' wish come true. Elizabeth and Larry Schulte, from Make a Wish, were the wish granters for Nicholas' wish.

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BEDFORD – Ever since Nicholas Dainiak could remember, he wanted a dog.

“He wanted to name it Buzz or Spider-Man, his two favorite characters,” Chris Dainiak said of his 6-year-old son.

But when Nicholas was diagnosed in 2008 with Batten disease, a neurological degenerative disorder that causes vision loss, seizures and is considered terminal, his parents didn’t think the addition of a furry friend would be possible.

That is, until they discovered 4 Paws for Ability. The Ohio-based nonprofit agency places service dogs with people who have disabilities.

After months of preparations, Nicholas and his new best friend, a Pyrenees border collie named Shane, were introduced.

“Nicholas is spending every second he can with (Shane), they clicked right away,” his father said.

On Monday, March 8, the Dainiaks took the time to thank those who helped make Shane a possibility: the Manchester firefighters and Make-A-Wish Foundation.

About 100 Manchester firefighters rode from Manchester to Colebook to raise money for Make-A-Wish to grant Nicholas his wish, Shane, and the Dainiaks dedicated March 8 to thank them and their families.

They rented Bounce U, a facility with inflatable structures, to house the event and introduce Shane. Bounce U was the location for previous fundraisers for Nicholas and Batten disease.

Owners Mike and Allie Trento host events for an estimated 20 nonprofit organizations each year, but said they connected to Nicholas’ story on a more personal basis.

“It’s closer to us because our daughter went to school with Nicholas before he was even diagnosed,” Mike said. “It pulls at your heart strings, you just want to do whatever you can to help.”

According to the 4 Paws for Ability Web site, service dog training fees range from $11,000 to $26,000. It costs up to $2,000 to maintain a service dog each year.

“(Shane) will help with vision, mobility and seizures,” his mother, Heather, said a few months ago.

Shane was paired with Nicholas due to his ability to sense seizures before they happen. It has become very difficult for Nicholas to walk, but Chris said he’s seen an improvement in his son’s mobility since Shane joined the family in early February. Shane wears a harness with a hand grip for Nicholas to hold onto like he’s walking him.

“Nicholas thinks he’s taking care of Shane,” his father said with a smile. “He loves the dog, it’s the best thing we’ve ever done for Nicholas.”

According to the Dainiaks, Shane waits around during the day for Nicholas to come home from school so the two can play. As soon as Nicholas comes through the door, Shane’s tail starts wagging.

Nicholas feeds Shane and plays ball with him, and when it’s time for bed, Shane sleeps in his room.

But the addition of Shane doesn’t mean the end of their fundraising events. The Promise to Nicholas Foundation has raised more than $200,000, but the Dainiaks are hoping to raise at least $1.5 million for a Cornell study, which Chris referred to as the first step in the progression toward a cure. Through the study, for which Nicholas may be a candidate, patients undergo gene therapy during a safe, experimental trial.

The Promise to Nicholas Foundation has two upcoming fundraisers in the works.

On March 27, an Easter egg hunt will take place from 9:30-11 a.m. at the McKevlie Intermediate School. There will be clowns, music and entertainment; all kids will go home with Easter eggs. The cost is $5 per child, $2 per adult with a maximum price of $20 per family. Last year, more than 500 people attended the event and helped raise more than $5,000.

“The Moms Group of Bedford had a big impact on our effort,” Chris said. “They volunteered countless hours on more than 20 fundraisers we’ve had and helped us to create an organization that is very effective.”

The foundation is looking into planning their second annual golf tournament and is looking for anyone interested in helping.

“We’re looking at this as trying to find a cure for the disease,” Chris said. “It’s not something we’re going to give up regardless of what happens to Nicholas.”

Donations can be made on Nicholas’ Web site at www.ourpromisetonicholas.com. Checks can be made payable to “Our Promise to Nicholas Foundation” and sent to P.O. Box 10106 in Bedford, NH 03110.