The Seahawk

Issue date: 4/24/08 Section: News

At the age of four, Amanda Ivancevich has her own story to tell. And although she's not quite old enough to share it- her mother proudly tells it for her.

Amanda has a seizure disorder known as Infantile Spasms. At the age of 1, Amanda underwent extensive brain surgery which left the right side of her body weak. Amanda also experiences developmental delays.

Amanda's life is far from boring-"It's a different experience, it's not a sad thing," Ivancevich said. "There's so much joy. There's stress but the blessings and lessons they teach you, I wouldn't trade for anything."

Amanda's mother, Dr. Susan Ivancevich and father, Dan Ivancevich, both work at UNCW as associate professors in the Department of Accountancy and Business Law within the Cameron School of Business. Ivancevich found out about the foundation paws4people through a former student who relayed the information about the program, which specializes in training dogs for disabled people.

According to the official Web site, paws4people is a foundation created to "enhance the lives of special and regular education students, seniors, and the seriously ill or disabled, by utilizing 'Special Powers' of canine companionship displayed by highly trained Assistance Dogs."

This summer, Amanda will be receiving a trained dog named Ellie, whom will provide numerous services for her and her family. Ellie has been trained over a period of 20 months by federal female inmates in West Virginia to assist Amanda. Amanda is one of the few children with both physical and mental challenges who will be privileged with the honor of receiving a dog, like Ellie, for assistance in daily endeavors.

Amanda has met Ellie only four times thus far, but she is excited and smiles when Ellie's name is mentioned. The first time she met Ellie was in the prison, but in July of 2008 Amanda will bring home her new best friend.

"Amanda will have a great friend," Ivancevich said. "Ellie will help motivate Amanda to accomplish new skills. Ellie will help her stand, walk, and most importantly, Ellie could even save her life."

Ellie is provided by a foundation called paws4people. In June of 2007, Amanda was selected as a private placement candidate, which means that Ellie will be permanently placed in the Ivancevich's home.

"Ellie will know over 100 commands when she gets here," said Ivancevich. "She can get medicine for Amanda, get the phone, read two signs and can even pull her in her wheelchair. The biggest thing she will be is a best friend."

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