Akron Family Seeks Funds For Leader Dog For Ailing Twins
Posted
Staff Report-
AKRON - To say Jamin and Jacob had a rough start in life would be exactly right.
The twins were born in Russia 10 weeks prematurely, weighing 2 and 2-1/2 pounds respectively. Each stayed in the hospital until their transfer to Orphanage No. 6, only their transfer was one month apart and they were unknowingly separated.
Jamin was found in time to join her twin brother in the process of becoming the children of Jeff and Polly Irwin, Akron. Despite the delay and a significant increase in fees, Jamin and Jacob became Irwins March 3, 1999, at 10 months old.
The twins struggled with respiratory issues their first few years, but have grown into healthy, happy kids.
One of the hardest challenges for the Irwin's family is the varying special needs of Jamin and Jacob. Jamin's and Jacob's primary diagnosis is Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder, followed by autism spectrum. Jacob is also challenged with Cerebral Palsy, and Jamin with a hearing impairment.
Jacob's challenges include being non-verbal, impulsive and having no concept of danger. He struggles with fine motor and gross motor disabilities, including the inability to chew. He is dependent on adults for most daily life skills and needs strong structure throughout the day to be successful. Transitions from highly preferred activities can be difficult.
Jamin's challenges include moderate anxiety in public and at home when change occurs. She struggles with short-term memory and has moderate difficulty "reading" social situations. She is unaware of personal safety.
The Irwins say they are thankful they did not uncover each child's special needs at the same time. It was a journey of discovery and at doses that were never more than they could handle, although we had to remind ourselves of that occasionally.
The Irwins have been blessed with a great support system and their kids know they are loved. However, just like most other parents, the Irwins want their kids to have the tools they need to reach their full potential.
Jeff and Polly said they are happy to report that just last year they discovered that camping works for their family. While on their first outing with their camper, something happened.
Good friends of theirs joined them on this camping weekend. These friends brought their dogs. Up to this point, Jacob was never calm or gentle around dogs so the Irwins thought a canine pet was not an option. Jacob spent time with the friend's Golden Retriever, Cooper.
What the Irwins witnessed was magical, they said. Jacob was calm and petted Cooper appropriately. Jacob walked Cooper down the trail, again and again. Everyone was in awe.
"A part of our precious red head was awakened by Cooper," the Irwins said.
Within 24 hours of returning from their camping trip, 4 Paws for Ability was found and the Irwins knew that this was the next step in their journey of discovery.
4 Paws for Ability Inc. is a non-profit organization whose mission is to help families with special needs acquire service dogs. The Irwins contacted 4 Paws for Ability, explained their family situation, asking if a service dog could be trained for two kids. The answer was yes, a service dog can be trained for two special needs children in the same family.
The Irwins have been accepted for placement of a FASD service dog, chosen and trained specifically to meet the needs of Jamin and Jacob. It costs 4 Paws For Ability approximately $22,000 to train and place one service dog. As part of the requirement to qualify for the placement of a service dog in their home, the Irwins have agreed to raise $13,000 to support the mission of 4 Paws for Ability.
To learn more about the 4 Paws for Ability mission and to make your tax deductible donation, go to www.4PawsforAbility.org Find the word "donate" at the top of the home page. Be sure to specify "In honor of Jamin and Jacob Irwin", or mail a check to: 4 Paws for Ability Inc., 253 Dayton Ave., Xenia, OH 45385.
