As we look ahead with excitement for the future of CMM Cares, we never forget those we helped in the past.
We first met the Neikens Family in 2021. Casey Neiken, then 13, was facing complications from Epidermolysis Bullosa (EB), a group of rare diseases that cause fragile, blistering skin. His family, tied down with medical bills, dreamed of turning their home into the perfect “staycation” spot where Casey could relax and escape some of the pain and monotony of his illness.
Thanks to generous donations from our community, CMM Cares was able to make that dream come true and provided the Neikens with a shaded patio and a jacuzzi; all accessible via wheelchair ramp.
Little did the Neikens know that one year later, CMM Cares would also bring them a new best friend.
Casey had always wanted a service dog and after connecting with Guide Dog Foundation CEO John Miller at a CMM Cares fundraiser, the family was thrilled to go through the process of adopting a “career change” pup – a five-year-old black lab named Mercy.
Not only did Mercy become a true companion to Casey, she also inspired the family to become involved with the Guide Dog Foundation. In addition to continuing the fight to keep Casey healthy, they took on the responsibility of fostering the foundation’s “puppies in training” as a way of showing gratitude.
But by 2024, the Neikens were facing new setbacks. Casey had six costly surgeries in Ohio, and Mercy suffered a significant injury to her cranial cruciate ligament (CCL)—the canine equivalent of an ACL tear.
Mercy needed surgery, but with all of Casey’s medical bills, the Neikens didn’t know how they were going to afford it. The family hosted garage sales and sold homemade dog treats, but still found themselves thousands of dollars short.
When CMM Cares heard about Mercy’s injury, we did not hesitate to step in. We worked together with Animal Surgical Center in Oceanside and the Neikens to come up with a solution that worked for everyone.
Today, Mercy is safely recovering, and Casey is thriving in a two-year culinary program.
“It absolutely warms my heart,” said CMM Cares Executive Director Julie Alberti of the Neikens story. “Being able to help local families like this one is the reason CMM Cares is so important.”
