Students bring in money to 'change' classmate's life

By: Phil Pendleton - Email

Updated: Fri 8:35 PM, Nov 02, 2012

STANFORD, Ky. (WKYT) - Nelson Martin is a 12 year old dealing with a condition his parents say he was born with called, “global encephalopathy.” It causes him to have dangerous seizures and to help with his treatment his family applied for a service dog.

“It cost $22,000 to train that dog. And to train us with it,” said Nelson’s mother, Donna.

So on Friday Stanford Elementary students and staff brought in spare change…to literally ‘change Nelson’s life.’

“The dog can search before he has a seizure and come notify us in the middle of the night,” said Martin.

It has been very difficult for Nelson’s parents but they say the good has been how their community has been very loving and giving.

Some dropped in dollars, others pennies in a plastic bin set up in the school’s gym Friday morning.

“This is one of my proudest moments as a principal,” said principal Dan Story.

“There’s really no words to express it. Just joy beyond anything I’ve felt before,” said Martin.

Nelson’s parents are hoping to raise $13,000. More than $1,700 was raised during the event Friday. Another fund drive will take place Saturday afternoon at the L and N Depot in downtown Stanford.

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