Jan
22
Â
Reported by: Patrice WalshÂ
Penfield, NY–
5 year old Vincent Ognibene has never spoken a word. But the youngster has brought his family more love than he will ever know.
Vincent was a healthy baby but suffered severe epileptic seizures when he was 16 months. He was diagnosed with autism a year later. He suffers 20 seizures a day. He also wanders and has learned to unlock doors. He has gotten out of the house unnoticed before and that scares his parents.
The Ognibenes have researched service dogs and how they help autistic children and children with seizure disorders. They believe a dog would not only be Vincent’s voice, but also his protector.
Corinna Ognibene says she worries about her son every day:Â “we don’t get to put Vinnie to bed knowing he is safe; with a dog at his side, the dog would alert us, so we could be there for Vinnie.”
But the Ognibene’s say since so much training is involved in service dogs for autistic children and children with seizure disorders, they can cost 25-thousand dollars or more.
That’s why they are holding a fundraiser called: “A Dog For Vincent.” It began with emails and flyers to friends inviting them to a neighborhood garage sale.
Now it has become a community-wide sale. Many people who don’t know the family have donated items and cash to help Vincent get a service dog.
The garage sale will be held at their Penfield home this weekend. I have attached a flyer with more information about the sale.
        COMMUNITY GARAGE SALE TO BENEFIT VINCENT OGNIBENE
        WHEN: SEPTEMBER 17, 18,19
       WHERE: 7 Shadow Creek, Penfield NY
        TIME: 8am-4pm
Source:Â http://www.13wham.com/news/local/story/A-Dog-For-Vincent/f0Z9NVkAG0y7vJ0NUZlU3Q.cspx