7-Year-Old Child Author Raises Money for Seizure Assistance Dog

Evan Moss, a 7-year-old from Alexandria, Va., and son of Epilepsy Foundation board member Lisa Moss, has struggled with epilepsy and tuberous sclerosis complex his entire life. On top of all that, Evan and his family were faced with a new challenge—raising $13,000.

The $13,000 was for the cost of a much-needed seizure assistance dog. A seizure dog can respond when someone is having a seizure and alert someone to help. It can prevent Evan from hurting himself, guide him through crowds, and provide him with greater independence as he grows up. In addition, the love and companionship a dog can provide to a child is priceless.

To raise funds for his dog, Evan wrote and illustrated a book, My Seizure Dog, featuring what he will do with his seizure dog. Evan wrote that his seizure dog will eat pizza with him and if he goes to outer space the dog will come, too. All the proceeds from the sale of the book are going toward the training and care of his seizure assistance dog. To jump-start the fundraising campaign, Evan had a book signing on Sunday, July 24, where his book sold out.

The young author's first book was a great success and Evan raised over $41,000, exceeding by far the $13,000 needed for his seizure dog. The extra money will be donated to the organization Evan is receiving a seizure dog from, 4 Paws for Ability, to help with the cost of service dogs for other people.

Evan's mother, Lisa, said, "To know that Evan raised the $13,000 he needed to receive a seizure dog is really exciting and a relief for our family. Because he's exceeded his goal--through the generosity of so many people--he's going to help several other families get seizure dogs, too. We're so proud of him!"

The service dog, which the Moss family is expecting to meet for the first time sometime in June 2012, will be a Labradoodle or Goldendoodle.

Evan's Book is available for purchase online at https://www.createspace.com/3626033

Update on August 30: Evan Moss and his family appeared on CBS and were also featured in People magazine.