Ashton Laskowski’s face turned bright red. His tongue swelled, his eyes teared up, and a full-body rash spread across his skin.
The 6-year-old from Barnegat was struck by anaphylaxis — a life-threatening reaction to his severe nut allergy.
“He was actually clawing at his throat because it had closed so quickly,” mom Candace Laskowski said. “This was within 15 minutes of an exposure.”
It happened last fall after a gathering. Ashton was kissed by someone who’d eaten a pretzel that — unbeknownst to anyone there and invisible to the eye — had been exposed to peanut dust.
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His parents were putting him to bed when the reaction started. They administered the medication epinephrine and called 911. Tragedy was averted.
“It’s frightening to think, what if we had fallen asleep and didn’t respond in time?” Candace said. “Time is life.”
This was the third scary reaction for Ashton, and it’s just one of the Laskowski family’s challenges. His younger brother, 4-year-old Julian, has autism, ADHD and sensory-processing issues.
“Julian has a very hard time with emotional regulation, will self-harm (primarily by scratching his face), and often attempts to leave our home,” Candace said.
Desperate for help in managing these difficulties, Candace and her husband Stephen arrived at a potential solution — a service dog. Such animals can do amazing things, but they are a major investment. The kind of dog who can assist both Ashton and Julian costs $25,000. That’s not covered even in part by either parent’s health insurance (Candace works in clinical research; Stephen is a construction superintendent).
“This is a huge financial burden on our family,” Candace said.
They’re turning to the public for help.
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‘A very deep connection'
The idea that a dog could be trained about food allergies was first brought to the Laskowskis’ attention by Natalie Rice, who chronicles her own service dog ’s story on Instagram (Detective Harley is the name). Such dogs can detect nuts and nut residue based on the scent — and intervene to prevent a disaster.
That sparked research into potential service dogs for Ashton. Turns out, they found a trainer of allergen-alert dogs who can address Julian’s needs, too. The trainer, Jackie Barbieri of Missouri-based Terra Incognita, has begun working with a Lagotto — an Italian breed known for their ability to find truffles in the ground — to help both children.
“Dogs have the capability to do a variety of jobs in the same environment and learn lots and lots of behaviors,” Barbieri said. “I’ve seen very powerful things occur in these relationships. It’s a very deep connection.”
Sara Wilbert, an occupational therapist who works with Julian and owns Lacey-based Beacon Pediatric Therapy, said service dogs can provide something called deep-pressure therapy, “which helps to calm the nervous system. … The dog is able to sense when the child is becoming overwhelmed.”
Such a dog also can redirect Julian if he tries to leave the house unattended (eloping, the behavior is called) and can assist in a search and rescue if he does elope.
“This really could benefit the family and Julian,” Wilbert said.
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A chance to live normally
Candace and Stephen Laskowski have their hands full. They’re raising four children, ages 4 to 9, and also are helping to raise Candace’s 17-year-old brother after their mother died (Candace is 34). Plus they have two pet dogs that they’ve rescued.
It’s a packed household, but the next member could make the difference between safety and tragedy.
“A service dog would mean another layer of protection for both of my children,” Candace said. “It would mean access to things we normally would not be able to access, things people take for granted. We don’t go to birthday parties, we don’t go to restaurants, we don’t go to the movies.”
Their service dog fundraiser is taking place through Help Hope Live, a nonprofit that specializes in facilitating public appeals for unmet medical needs.
“These conditions can be so isolating for these kids,” Candace said. “This could change their lives.”
Contributions to the Laskowski family’s quest for a service dog can be made at www.helphopelive.org/campaign/23453.
Jerry Carino is community columnist for the Asbury Park Press, focusing on the Jersey Shore’s interesting people, inspiring stories and pressing issues. Contact him at jcarino@gannettnj.com.
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