Clio Nelson, a soon-to-be Junior at San Luis Obispo High School, has a rare genetic condition that afflicts just 1 in 200,000—an ‘invisible’ condition called Cowden Syndrome.
Cowden Syndrome, also known as CS/PTEN, explained in layman’s terms, is a genetic condition that that causes things to go haywire and grow vascular formations abnormally in the body. It is also well-known for spawning a few different types of cancer among its sufferers.
Nelson, now 16 years old, despite living in chronic pain, is an excellent student, an active writer, a photographer, and a filmmaker, as well as a thespian, currently in rehearsal for an ensemble role in SLORep’s upcoming production of “The Little Mermaid Jr.” She is also active in the GSA Club and various theater productions on campus.
When her anxiety spiked from living with Cowden Syndrome, and realizing she is a few short years away from graduation and independence, her priority became to find and secure a Service Dog.
“Starting my life in college soon is super exciting, but for me it is scary, too,” admits Nelson. “Since the growth in my arm showed up, I’ve always had my Mom and Dad by my side if it should get injured. Bleeding out is a real risk if my arm is hit. And I don’t want my condition to stop me from my dreams. A Service Dog is my only viable option.”
After a national search for a Service Dog training organization suited for Nelson’s specific needs, including an alert if her arm is injured and bleeds, as well as serving as psychiatric service animal (Nelson also suffers anxiety because of her diagnosis), she found the perfect fit here in Arroyo Grande at Doggie Do Good. She applied and was approved for her dog the end of 2018. The next step is raising the $25,000 to pay for her dog. Insurance does not cover any of the costs for a service animal, so the full fee is up to Nelson and her family to pay.
Upon hearing about the cost of the dog, family and friends have banded together to help Nelson and her family raise the money needed for her dog.
“The Nelsons already have living and medical expenses, adding the $25,000 for the service dog seems like such a huge burden; and something we can actually help with,” observed Loreli Cappel, who is a friend of Nelson and her family.
The brainstorming began and the result is as fun as it is inspiring: A local celebrity co-ed softball game to be held at Sinsheimer Stadium in San Luis Obispo hosted by Radiance Voice Coaching.
Local business executives and owners, musicians, coaches, and retired professional athletes have agreed to come together to play the game, which has been aptly named the “Throw Us a Bone Softball Fundraiser,” and will include support from SLO Blues, Digital West, Ifixit, SLO Chamber, K-Man Cyclery, Morris and Garritano, Farm Supply, 21st Century Realtors, Engle & Associates Insurance Brokers, The Mother Corn Shuckers, Basalt Interiors, Cal Poly Baseball, SLOHS, SLO Tigers, and retired players from the LA Dodgers, Oakland A’s, and San Francisco 49ers.
Doggie Do Good and Jack’s Helping Hand will be present to share information about their respective programs and, at Nelson’s request, a puppy kissing booth will be on-hand. Old SLO BBQ and Splash Cafe are sponsoring the food. Beer, non-alcoholic beverages, snacks and desserts will also be available, along with games, a kid zone, and souvenirs all manned by friends, family, and local businesses. The event will end with an after-game party hosted on-site by Kramer Events.
WHEN/WHERE: “Throw Us A Bone Softball Fundraiser” is set for Saturday, August 10th at Sinsheimer Stadium. The gate will open at 2pm. Bike Parking will be available thanks to the Bike Valet, as well as first-come, first-served car parking in the lot.
Tickets are $25 for general admission and are available online at bit.ly. A total of 800 tickets will raise the necessary funds for Nelson’s service dog. Food, beer, souvenirs and games will be available for additional purchase at the event. Nelson will donate any extra money raised beyond $25,000 goal directly to Doggie Do Good’s non-profit arm to help them finally have a seed fund to help others who are not as fortunate in obtaining a Service Dog.
“I’ve been medically weird since I was 8 years-old; and never had the chance to be a normal kid. I’ve come to terms with that, and even with my own mortality, but I do need help staying afloat. This Service Dog will give me that constant companionship that would be incredibly helpful to me. I want to live my life to the fullest and, no matter what, I am always going to look at the bright side. I am so incredibly thankful for the support that this community has already shown me!” says Nelson.