In the heart of Kentucky, a family stationed at Fort Campbell is embarking on an inspiring mission. Paul and Molly McCurdy are raising funds to secure a specially trained service dog for their daughter, Paislee, who faces numerous medical challenges including cerebral palsy and a rare chromosomal abnormality. Their story reflects both the resilience of military families and the transformative potential of service animals in improving quality of life.

Paul and Molly’s journey began long before their arrival at Fort Campbell. Hailing from Pittsburgh, these high school sweethearts built their lives together after Paul joined the Army in pursuit of financial stability. In 2016, following his basic training at Fort Benning, the couple relocated to Fort Campbell, where they soon learned they were expecting their first child. However, joy turned to concern when Paislee was born prematurely in June 2017, weighing only four pounds. Her health complications mounted rapidly, culminating in a harrowing incident just two months later when she stopped breathing, requiring emergency CPR administered by her mother.

Paislee’s diagnosis revealed multiple conditions, including airway issues and a rare chromosome 10 abnormality that caused ataxic cerebral palsy. Over time, the family navigated countless medical interventions, including spinal surgeries for scoliosis. Throughout this challenging period, the Army provided crucial support, enabling Paul to balance his military duties with his role as a father. Meanwhile, their tight-knit community of fellow soldiers offered invaluable emotional and practical assistance.

The McCurdys’ second child, Lucy, brought additional warmth into their lives. At three years old, Lucy has already demonstrated remarkable maturity and compassion toward her older sister. This bond deepened further in October 2024, when seven-year-old Paislee began learning how to walk. Recognizing the need for greater mobility assistance, the family decided to pursue obtaining a service dog. Enter Clifford, a shelter dog whose natural empathy toward Paislee became evident during their first encounter.

Clifford’s journey toward becoming Paislee’s service dog began with Next Door K9 Solutions in Clarksville. Trainer Alex Rohan recognized the dog’s potential and initiated specialized training focused on enhancing Paislee’s strength and confidence as she learns to walk. The cost of such training, however, ranges from $5,000 to $50,000, prompting the McCurdys to launch a fundraiser titled "Paws for Paislee." Beyond covering Clifford’s expenses, the campaign aims to raise awareness about the importance of service dogs for families like theirs.

As Clifford continues his training, the McCurdys remain hopeful about the positive impact he will have on Paislee’s daily life. Their perseverance serves as a testament to the power of community and determination in overcoming adversity. For the McCurdys, Clifford represents not just a service dog but a symbol of hope and brighter days ahead for their beloved Paislee.