A Northbrook family’s dream of owning a dog to help sense their daughter’s seizures has become the personal mission of one Glenbrook North club this year.

Last week, students of PAWS held a bake sale to help raise funds for the Siau family of Northbrook.  Their 1-year-old daughter, Evie, was diagnosed in January with Sturge Weber Syndrome, a neurological abnormality that causes unpredictable seizures and affects fine and gross motor skills.

The family has volunteered to raise $13,000 for 4 Paws for Ability, a non-profit group that trains service animals to work with children and adults who face seizure disorders.  By raising the funds, Evie will be eligible to receive a service dog that is trained specifically for all of her needs.

“To know we are contributing toward such a personal and important cause has really motivated the students,” said club sponsor and Glenbrook North School Counselor Rebecca Rogers. “We have been working hard to help the Siau family achieve their dreams of bringing a service animal home for Evie.”

Colleen and Todd Siau are alumni of Glenbrook North and decided to reach out to their alma mater in hopes of spreading the word about their fundraising efforts. Knowing students of PAWS could help, Assistant Principal of Student Activities Mike Tarjan reached out to the club. Additional fundraising efforts will likely continue through the semester.

 “Todd and I are truly humbled and amazed by how GBN, and our community in general, has rallied around us in our time of need,” said Colleen Siau. “I was so touched to see this group of students be so eager and dedicated to raising money for Evie’s cause.  Words cannot express how sincerely grateful and appreciative we are for their support.”

 In addition to the fundraising efforts taking place at Glenbrook North, the family will host its own fundraiser on November 18 from 7:30-10:30 p.m. at Pinstripes, 1150 Willow Road in Northbrook.  For more information on the event, or to donate, go to www.angel4evie.com.