- Mike Carlson, founder of Golden Healer Service and Therapy Dogs, needs $40,000.
- He requires life-saving heart surgery by Sept. 8 due to a rare tumor.
- Carlson's organization aids people with disabilities but faces financial challenges without him.
SALT LAKE CITY — Mike Carlson, the founder and CEO of Golden Healer Service and Therapy Dogs, has dedicated his life to helping others through the healing power of service dogs.
The nonprofit provides service dogs for people with disabilities, depression and anxiety.
"To be able to have a full-time job where they have their dog with them, working in an environment where they have to see people and talk to people and communicate every day," Carlson said.
Now, he is the one in need of help.
Carlson needs $40,000 by Sept. 8, or he said the hospital will not perform the life-saving surgery he needs.
"It's going to have a big impact on us if we don't have the funds to cover it, not only for me personally financially, but for the organization as well," Carlson said.
Since 2019, his organization has placed thirty service dogs around the country, including one that helped a local 7-year-old with Down Syndrome.
But in July, Carlson suffered a stroke.
Tests revealed he has a rare heart tumor and open heart surgery is his only option.
"Fortunately, there wasn't any permanent damage or long-term damage because we caught it early," Carlson said.
Without insurance, he said, the hospital requires payment up front.
"I didn't have insurance, so I did have to come up with that up front money in order to have surgery next week on Monday the 8th."
Carlson said he hasn't been paid in months and worries about the future of the organization.
"All of the funds that I earn for my living is in the organization," he said. "So without me to provide the resources for the organization, they're not going to be able to pay me."
Still, he's hopeful the community will step in.
"We are hoping that with some support from others, we can keep doing what we are doing," Carlson said.
If you'd like to help, visit his GoFundMe.*
For more information about Golden Healers Service Dogs, visit their website.
*KSL.com does not assure money deposited into the account will be applied for the benefit of the persons named as beneficiaries. If you are considering a deposit to the account, you should consult your own advisers and otherwise proceed at your own risk.
