A note from Chris Bugeya of Empire BlueCross BlueShield
I want to introduce or re-introduce you to a wonderful organization that I have been volunteering with called - Blue Path Service Dogs. Blue Path provides service dogs to children with autism offering safety, companionship, and opportunity for independence. I have a passion for what these dogs can do, and how they have changed families lives for the better.
One in 44 children are diagnosed with autism; it is the fastest growing developmental disability in the United States. Many children with autism demonstrate a propensity to “bolt” or wander away from their families which poses a significant threat to their well-being and can make trips outside the home inordinately frightening.
BluePath dogs save lives by preventing children from bolting into busy streets or bodies of water. Children are connected to the dogs via a specially designed tether system. The dog "anchors" when a child bolts and this immediate, trained response keeps the child safe. Over time it can often eliminate the bolting behavior.
BluePath will be hosting their 7th Annual Walkathon on May 13, 2023. As a member of BluePath’s Walkathon Committee/ Volunteer I respectfully request your support. Enclosed are sponsorship packages for your review.
Your support helps families like Michael’s dad who shares these words:
"Michael was diagnosed with autism at 15 months old. He’s now seven years old, non-verbal, and elopes frequently. Michael loves going for walks and to local parks; he enjoys the water and fresh air. A weight was lifted the day we received BluePath service dog Dug - we knew our lives were going to be different.
"Among many of autism’s challenges, it was impossible to attend Michael’s siblings’ sporting events as a family. Dug changed that. He has become a staple at our kids’ games, allowing us to actually sit on the sidelines and cheer for our children and their teammates.
"Dug has made it possible for us to do things as a family in a way that we never thought would be possible. We are so excited for the future.” - NYPD Sergeant Sean Rafferty (picture attached)
We appreciate your consideration of support for our mission. I have enclosed sponsorship packages for your review. If you have any questions please contact me at 914-329-5780 or christopher.bugeya@empireblue.com or you can contact Erica Stanzione, BluePath's Director of Marketing and Development at erica.stanzione@bluepathservicedogs.org .
Thank you very much for your time and I look forward to hearing from you!
This is my personal fundraising page below if you would like to sponsor individually or if you would like as a corporate sponsor the attached opportunities are available. Bugeya Fundraising page: https://www.givegab.com/p2p/walkathon-2023/chris-bugeya
Anything you can contribute would be helpful for these families and greatly appreciated.
Warm Regards,
Christopher J.Bugeya , Director Government / Labor Accounts
Empire BlueCross BlueShield | One Penn Plaza , 36th Floor , Suite 3101 | New York , NY 10119
Mobile: 914-329-5780 | Office 212-476-7535 | christopher.bugeya@empireblue.com
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