Eureka Boy Needs Funds for Allergy-Sniffing Dog

Reese Greenhagen, 9, has been living with the fear of life-threatening peanut and tree-nut allergies since he was 18 months old.

"We live our life day-to-day hoping and praying he is safe wherever he is," said his mother Jana.

The key to security and independence for the youngster, the family says, may be a service dog named Astro, who can detect the presence of nuts and warn Reese so he can avoid them.

But a large fundraising gap may be in the way. The family is involved in an online fundraising campaign to collect the $20,000 it needs by the end of October, and at the moment, the tally is just shy of $2,200.

"We live our days checking and securing every place Reece goes. Whether its school, church, friends or family member’s houses, playing baseball or basketball, going out to eat and the list goes on," the family wrote on its Angel Service Dogs website profile of their case. "At school, he has a special place to sit for lunch, and brings his own treats for birthdays and parties due to the possibility of allergen exposure."

Jana said Astro is being trained to sniff out peanuts and tree nuts along with nut oils on items such as a shopping cart, bowling balls, movie theatre seats and common places others would take for granted as being “safe.”

"Part of the specialized training Astro will receive will not only help Reece, but our entire family," she said in a statement to Patch.

Here are some upcoming fundraising events, or you can donate online. You can reach the Greenhagen's through their Facebook page.

Culver’s Nights: (Eureka Location)

 September 17th – 5 - 8 p.m

Chick-Fil-A: (West County Mall Location)

September 14th – 12-8 p.m.

October 12th – 12 - 8 p.m.

(Chick-Fil-A nights must be accompanied by a flyer or by mentioning the event to the ordertaker.  Get fliers from Chris or Jana Greenhagen)

Online Silpada Party :  Online orders: or http://sild.es/cX6. Select “Reece and Astro” as the hostess. Closing date 9/7/2013 at 8 p.m.

Elk’s Benefit  - Operation Reece -  Elk’s Lodge, Eureka -  September, 27, 2013. A Slab of BBQ Ribs $20.00 – (636-938-6670).  Homemade cheesecakes made with Splenda $35.00 (636-938-6744).  Orders for both will be taken until September 24. 

Trivia Night – September 28,  Elk’s Lodge, Eureka – 6:00 pm.  $20.00 per person 8 or 10 top tables. Donations of services and goods for silent auction can be made by emailing slcoker8@gmail.com. Call Jana for reservation: 314-403-9417.More information to follow.

Game Night – October 4, 2013.  Central Baptist Church Eureka, gymnasium – 9 p.m. to 1 a.m. 

Bikeathon – Drewel Park – Eureka – October 6, Pre-school and Elementary age – afternoon (TBA).