Pervasive Development Disorder, epilepsy, cerebral palsy, and tourettes syrome are interfering with the life of an innocent five year old boy. Kylen never knows when he is going to take a seizure and since he is only a child, he has a difficult time understanding his health. Although Kylen suffered a mini stroke at the age of two, he is a survivor and is capable of speaking and talking, according to the Herald Standard.  His single mother and two Therapeutic support staff are devoted to helping Kylen beat the odds and stay calm when stressful situation occur.

Kylen’s story was exposed to Latrobe High School by sophomore Castle Leonard. “My mother went to high school with Kylen’s mother, Lisa Roberts. We wanted to help because his mom sacrifices so much to help him; even a job because she has a Masters Degree in business and cannot leave Kylen to use it,” said Leonard.

“If students discover a cause that they care about, Key club and Interact club will work as a team to make a difference,” said Mr. Snyder, Key and Interact club advisor.

During the week of April 10-13, Key club and Interact club made a difference. T-Shirts were sold and the proceeds were given to Kylen’s family who needed the money to purchase a service dog, in order for Kylen to be able to lead a more independent life as he grows older.

“Service dogs are trained to perform tasks that assist a life functioning need. Kylen’s dog will be trained to take Kylen to a safe place before a seizure comes on, alert those around him that he is having a seizure, and perform calming exercises to relieve anxiety,”  said Lisa Roberts in the Herald Standard.    

The dog costs $5,000. “Kylen recently got all of the money needed to purchase his dog,” said Leonard. Key and Interact club as well as all of the students who made a donation have made a permanent impact on Kylen’s life. He will be able to learn and grow with a feeling of security, knowing that he will be safe.