Hello! We would like to introduce you to our amazing 15-year-old son Curtis. Curtis is determined and strong and spreads joy to all that he knows.  His resilience, determination, and loving nature inspire those around him. Curtis embodies emotional and mental strength, provides unwavering support and unconditional love. His resilience in facing challenges teaches the value of perseverance. Curtis is a cherished family member who enriches and uplifts those around him.  

He loves the outdoors, caring for animals, playing video games, riding his bike and spending time with his family. 

Curtis has overcome many obstacles and continues to do so. His challenges started at a young age when he was placed into foster care at two years old. After living with three different foster families and spending 2,878 days in foster care, he was officially adopted on August 9, 2018, at nine years old. We knew then that our family was complete.

Curtis has several medical diagnoses, including epilepsy. Recently, we found out that his seizures are drug resistant and are in the process of going through genetic testing. Curtis has always struggled with anxiety from his past, but ever since the seizures and medical needs have gotten progressively worse, his anxiety has increased. The epilepsy alone limits his independence and his ability to do “normal” fifteen year old activities, including driving, operating anything with a motor, swimming, going to school functions, playing sports, traveling, having sleepovers, and being home alone. 

Curtis is very excited that he has been accepted to get a service dog. We feel a service dog could provide him with the independence he deserves. Curtis’ dog will be trained to detect seizures, alert his caregivers, and provide comfort for him. Additionally, the service dog will calm Curtis if he becomes overwhelmed or anxious, which can trigger seizures. Curtis can easily become overwhelmed, especially in big social situations. In addition to these tasks which can only be performed by a well-trained service dog, Curtis’s dog will be a loving companion for him to help ease the stress of daily life and be a constant friend in an unpredictable world, especially when he feels lonely and left out due to his needs.

We are so pleased that Curtis has been approved to receive a service dog, but this is just the first step. We have decided to work with the organization 4 Paws for Ability because they are one of the best when it comes to training service dogs for children. They are kind and very clearly devoted to helping others and especially children like Curtis. On average it costs between $40,000-$60,000 to raise and train a service dog. We are responsible for raising $20,000 for Curtis’ dog. After we raise the funds, 4 Paws will begin training a dog to meet Curtis’ needs.
The wait time is currently 2-2.5 years. We would like to thank everyone in advance for any donation as any amount helps us reach our goal.

Thank you for taking the time to read Curtis’ story and considering donating to help this become possible.

How can YOU help Curtis?

Donations in support of Curtis can be made online below or via check sent directly to 4 Paws for Ability. Please be sure to write Curtis’ (Rosemann) name on the memo line. Mail checks to:

4 Paws for Ability
In Honor of Curtis Rosemann
253 Dayton Ave.
Xenia, Ohio, 45385.

Thanks,

Chris and Stacey Rosemann (Curtis’ Parents)

Training a service dog to meet our child’s requirements can be very costly. On average it costs between $40,000-60,000 to raise, train, and place a service dog at 4 Paws for Ability. While 4 Paws for Ability fundraises to help cover a significant portion of this cost, families are tasked with raising $20,000 of that amount or $23,000 if receiving a poodle, doodle or papillon. We hope that we can receive assistance from our beloved family and friends to help make our service dog dream a reality.