A partially-blind boy from Long Island has raised thousands of dollars to provide service dogs for veterans with post-combat disabilities.
Matt Redlein, 13, is blind in his right eye, the result of an inherited condition. To help veterans with disabilities, he has started a mission to help pay for service dogs. Matt has raised thousands of dollars from selling bracelets and holding bake sales at school.
"Everyone has their own form of a struggle and any way you can make that better, you want to help," said Matt.
While service dogs are free for recipients, it costs $50,000 to raise, train and place them. Jeff Fernandez, who volunteers with the Guide Dog Foundation, said Matt’s donations are a huge help.
"This is phenomenal. The Guide Dog Foundation and American Vet Dogs get no regular government funding."
Matt’s older brother, Brandon, is blind and said that service dogs are much more useful than simply using a cane. He said he hopes to have his own guide dog one day.
Matt has already raised almost double his original goal.
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