UPDATE: Families Affected by Animals for Autism of IL

by Animals For Autism

This page is dedicated to those families affected by the fiasco that came out of
Siberian Snow Babies’ Animals for Autism Program administered by Lea Kaydus of Glenarm, IL formerly of Tallula, IL.

It can be easy to forget sometimes that there are real people, real children that have been hurt by all that has happened when you read the stories.  I would like to introduce you to them and provide you a way to reach out to them and help.

Right now there are 11 of the 13 families talking about what has happened.  There is a lot of confusion, a lot of disillusion, and disappointment.

A wonderful organization, Paws 4 Autism (http://paws4autism.org) has set up a dedicated fund for the families directly affected by the Siberian Snow Babies’ Animals for Autism/Pepsi Refresh Scam.

“ALL of the monies received will be divided equally among the families affected by this heartbreaking scam. Funds received in excess of those needed for these autism service dogs will go towards our CHIP-IN Program to assist additional families fund their autism service dog. ZERO monies will be used for administration or other programming.”

Paws 4 Autism is a non-profit entity certified by the Internal Revenue Service.

You may donate to this fund though their web page at: http://paws4autism.org/pepsipups.html

Several of the families also have individual fundraising in progress and you may donate to them individually as well.  And once this all settles down I am sure there will be more, as the families attempt to regain the ground that they have lost.  They will each need to raise between $10,000 – 15,000 for the Service Animal placement.  This does not include any travel costs or the costs of the last portion of placement in which the animal and trainers will travel to the recipient’s home.  This is not a task easily accomplished but with the help of the community is within reach.

This event has put a bitter taste and a touch of cynicism to a few of the families.  Some no longer feel they have the energy available to expend on this endeavor.  Dreams shattered, hope remains but it needs rebuilt.  That will take time to heal.

There are families involved who are not listed on this page for one reason or another.  They are not forgotten.  What has occurred has caused a great deal of pain.  Add your voice to those here by signing the petition at Change.org.  Encourage Pepsi to stop funding this IRRESPONSIBLE project/puppy mill.

Media Links covering the story
Please take a bit of time and imagine yourself in their place, hoping and waiting for this miracle to happen. Please share these links.  Pass them along and help bring this story to the attention of the folks at Pepsi.

Mike Brooks, WICS ABC NewsChannel 20 Springfield for your segment
** Chris Henry, Kitsap Sun for your story and Meegan Reid for the great photo. And a wonderful follow-up.
** Jesse Jones, KING 5 Seattle, for your hard work and your segment.  Thank you for your follow-up.
Jessica Noll, WCPO TV Cincinnati, for your wonderful segment.
** Linda Thomas, MyNorthwest.com, for your story. Thank you for your follow-up.

Please consider going to individual blogs if you would like to assist an individual family.  Try to remember that these families are very “concerned” about any organization that is collecting funds or speaking on their behalf.  They have been through a lot recently.  It is still somewhat traumatic.  Thank you for understanding.

Faith’s family maintains: Making Waves, Mommy Rambles, Raise the Woof Facebook page (Link to their individual fundraising is located on the info portion under website) and this blog.

Caleb’s family maintains: Stinker Babies

Samuel’s family maintains: speaking4sam and the Autism’s Ruff Facebook page. (Donation details listed in the Description portion)

Rex’s family has their fundraising page at: GoFundMe.com