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SALT LAKE CITY -- A Salt Lake City family is trying desperately to help their 2-year-old son who suffers more than 100 epileptic seizures a day.
Their hope? To buy a seizure-sensing dog that could help save their son's life.
Little Cole Hyer has had a rough road his mere two and half years of life. He suffers from a rare form of epilepsy called Dravet syndrome.
"Cole had his first seizure when he was six months old and his next seizure came a few weeks later," says Niki Hyer, Cole's mother.
On good days, Cole may have seizures so minor they aren't even noticeable. But on bad days, "He actually passes out, falls to the ground and his whole body shakes and jerks," says Niki.
That's why Cole's family gathered at Liberty Park Saturday. They set out to raise money for a special "alert dog" that can sense when a major seizure is coming.
Despite the rain, over 30 people came to support Cole and his family to raise awareness about Dravet syndrome, as well as help with a portion of the money needed. Those in attendance participated in a walk and then helped release balloons in Cole's honor.
The dog can't come too soon, because Cole's seizures are getting worse.
"At the beginning of this year, Cole had four different types of seizures," says Niki. "Now he has seven, so he is getting worse and worse as the days go by."
At $22,000, these alert dogs don't come cheap. But for Niki, no price is to too high to pay for her son.
"It will be worth it because this dog could save my son's life," she says.
The good news is the Hyers only have to raise $13,000 to get an alert dog -- a foundation will donate the rest of the money.
For more on Cole's story, CLICK HERE.
For more information on Dravet syndrome, CLICK HERE.
E-mail: lprichard@ksl.com
