Golf scramble a chance to support young man in need

Bainbridge Elementary and Concrete Plus recently came together to raise $5,638 to help with the cost of an assistance dog for one of its students. Megan Ramirez (front left), Juan Ramirez, Cayden Worth and Dagan Everman (front right) celebrate the donation made to Everman on behalf of Bainbridge Elementary and Concrete Plus to help with the cost of an assistance dog for Everman. Joining them on behalf of Concrete Plus are Brian (back left) and Brandy Williams, Bainbridge Elementary teacher Kristie Hankin and Dagan's mother Allison Everman (rear right). The sum of the donation came from funds raised by the school and a match donation from Concrete Plus. Anyone wishing to support Everman's cause may also do so at the Saturday golf scramble at Old Hickory Golf Course or by simply donating. (Banner Graphic/KYLE HOLLINGER)

BAINBRIDGE -- Dagan Everman is an 11-year-old soon-to-be sixth grader who is a lot like any other kid. He's always smiling, loves the outdoors and considers everyone his friend.

Unfortunately, Dagan also struggles daily with a birth brain injury that has led to Cerebral Palsy, developmental delays and sensory disorder. He has been in speech therapy, physical therapy, developmental therapy and vision therapy throughout his life.

More recently, Dagan has begun suffering from grand mal seizures that frequently disrupt his life as a student and generally happy-go-lucky kid.

With medications not helping to control Dagan's seizures, the Everman family recently discovered another possible solution -- a service dog through Little Angels Service Dogs.

Bainbridge and the surrounding community have been coming together to support the Evermans in their quest to get Dagan the canine help he needs.

On June 2, Bainbridge Elementary School conducted a walk-a-thon to raise money for Dagan. Combined with a "Lemonade Day" and a "Bubble Gum Day," students raised more than $2,000, a sum that was matched by Concrete Plus to bring the total donation to $5,638.

On Saturday, June 21, local golfers will have a chance to join the effort with the Little Angels Service Dog Golf Tournament.

Registration and lunch will begin at 10:30 a.m. at Old Hickory Golf Course, with first tee-off to follow at noon.

Cost is $60 per player or $220 for a four-person team. All proceeds will be donated to the effort to get Dagan a service dog.

For more information on the scramble, contact Allison Everman at 366-1579 or evermanjad@aol.com.

Entering middle school can be a trying time for any kid, not to mention one struggling with an illness that has caused serious changes in his life. Since suffering his first tonic clonic (grand mal) seizure in February 2013, Dagan has additionally been diagnosed with general epilepsy.

Dagan actively works with his neurologist to control his seizures, however, still hasn't been able to find the right medications. Dagan often has to deal with the side effects of these medications that affect his mood and his health.

He currently suffers from several different types of seizures including those that cannot be seen. The side effects of the seizures also include memory loss, loss of time and loss of control. These effects also impact his personal growth, and he has shown signs of depression, is frustrated often, his grades at school have been falling and gets embarrassed and scared.

Dagan has always been a very active young man and for the past year has been isolating himself more from others, activities that he usually enjoys, and spending more time alone.

A dog from Little Angels could help change all that. Their dogs are typically Labradors who have been bred for this work. They are trained in foster homes from the moment they are weaned. The foster families do a fantastic job of getting these pups used to some very unusual circumstances at an early age. Once the dogs are mature enough, they are brought back to the dog training facility for specialized training to assist the individual with whom they will be placed.

In Dagan's case, the dog will be trained to perform a number of functions that will help him. The dog will allow him to maintain his balance if necessary so as not to run into things or trip and fall. The dog could alert others around him when he is having a seizure and carry the rescue medications so that they are easily accessible. The dog could provide a bond and friendship for Dagan to help him relax after a long day when his brain has been overactive. Dagan will feel safer being active and participating in activities knowing that his dog will provide the security he needs.

Little Angles has already approved Dagan to receive a dog. It is only a matter of coming up with the funding, which is where events like the one at Bainbridge Elementary and Saturday's golf scramble.

With the help of the community, a young man's life could be dramatically changed for the better.