If you’ve ever had the privilege of meeting Brantley, you know he is one of the sweetest, kindest, and most innocent souls you’ll ever meet.

He’s the first one to give you a hug, offer a fist bump, hold the door open for someone at the gas station, or ask if he can help a stranger mow their lawn or shovel their sidewalk simply because he sees someone who could use a helping hand.

Brantley loves fishing, music, camping, swimming, adaptive Floor hockey, bowling, cheering on the Green Bay Packers, and taking every opportunity he can to pet any dog that passes by. His heart is full, loving and gentle.  That is the true soul of Brantley.

What many people don’t see, however, is the daily battle Brantley faces.

Brantley has special needs and struggles with severe emotional regulation. When he becomes overwhelmed, his emotions can escalate quickly into physical outbursts that he cannot simply “control” or “snap out of.” These moments are heartbreaking—not only for Brantley, but for everyone who loves him. Afterward, he often feels confused, embarrassed, ashamed, and devastated by something he never wanted to happen in the first place.

Every day is a balancing act of helping Brantley feel safe, teaching him coping skills, advocating for the services he needs, and reminding him that he is loved exactly as he is. While his challenges are real, they do not define him. They are only one part of the incredible young man he is.

Our family is asking for help because the resources Brantley needs to thrive come with significant financial costs. For years it has been recommended that Brantley have an emotional support animal, or at best a service animal. But our living situation wasn’t set up for it.

Your donation will help provide Brantley with either an emotional support dog or, even better, a trained service animal that will be able to recognize Brantley‘s cues and give him the tools he needs to regulate his emotions, grow in confidence, and experience the life every child/young man deserves.

We know Brantley will benefit from having this sort of support more than we could ever imagine. It will help provide him a purpose, help him learn responsibility, help him regulate, and give him the companionship and loyalty of a trusted friend.

When the subject of a service animal was first presented to us, it didn’t seem like a viable option after learning the cost associated. We have watched countless hours of testimonials read hundreds of reviews and have really seen the impact this can have on the life of somebody like Brantley.  He will be 15 soon and this could help shape his life and his future as he enters his adult years.

We are working with a fantastic and highly rated Service Dog Trainer out of Illinois who has been phenomenal in providing guidance in this process as well as grow our knowledge of the process and benefits associated with obtaining such a benefit. Before I even got into who Brantley is, she explained to me some of the youth and families she has helped and I felt like she had some secret insight to our lives.  Within minutes I was in tears and for the first time in a very long time, I didn’t feel so alone in this.

If you’re unable to donate, we completely understand. Sharing Brantley’s story, keeping him in your thoughts and prayers, and helping others understand that not all disabilities are visible would mean just as much.

Thank you for taking the time to read Brantley’s story. Thank you for seeing the beautiful, caring, compassionate young man behind the diagnosis. Most of all, thank you for believing in his future.

Every act of kindness, every prayer, every share, and every donation gives Brantley another opportunity to grow, heal, and continue sharing the incredible heart that has touched so many lives.

* 100% of the proceeds from this donation will be put into a special account to go towards the initial cost of the service dog/support animal and it’s related expenses.