A Service Dog's Incredible Impact On A Little Boy With A Rare Genetic Disorder

December 30, 2024

Today's good news story comes from New City, New York.

When Patrick Bresnahan, a 4-year-old boy from New York, was diagnosed with a rare genetic disorder, hope came in the form of a golden retriever named Yam.

Patrick and Yam

Patrick's mother, Susan Bresnahan, a nurse with 20 years of experience, noticed early on that her son wasn't reaching developmental milestones.

Patrick never rolled over at 3 months, wasn’t sitting up at 6 months, and wasn’t crawling at 9 months. Susan sought help, starting her son in occupational and physical therapy when he was just over a year old. After his second birthday, genetic testing finally provided answers: Patrick was diagnosed with Timothy syndrome, a CACNA1C-related disorder affecting fewer than 100 people worldwide.

“After getting the diagnosis, it was the first good night’s sleep I had in two years,” Susan recalled. The disorder, which involves a mutation of the CACNA1C gene, can result in physical challenges, irregular heart function, developmental delays, and seizures. While there’s no cure, treatments and therapies can help manage symptoms.

Recognizing Patrick’s lack of motivation to move, Susan explored the idea of a service dog. Through ECAD (Educated Canines Assisting with Disabilities), the family learned about highly trained service dogs that could provide both physical and emotional support. However, they needed to raise $25,000 to cover their portion of the cost.

In just three weeks, donations from friends, family, and community members surpassed their goal. Overwhelmed by the generosity, Susan said, “I cried for three weeks.”

Patrick was matched with Yam, a golden retriever whose impact was immediate and transformative.

 

“Within two weeks, he was doing 12 new things he had never done,” Susan shared. Patrick, who had not been using his right hand, began throwing a ball for Yam and using both hands equally. His movement improved dramatically—he started walking more smoothly, running, and even climbing stairs for the first time.

Beyond physical achievements, Yam has boosted Patrick’s social abilities and self-confidence.

“It’s just a huge physical therapy session all day long, along with the love and security,” Susan explained.

Though Patrick’s specific mutation is unique and there’s no cure for his condition, his mother remains optimistic about future treatments.

For now, she says, “He’s the happiest kid alive.”