FAIRHOPE – Monty Nichols did not have a good start in life. Born with hydrocephalus, sometimes called “water on the brain,” the fluid in Monty's skull couldn't drain properly. Doctors in Mississippi corrected the problem, but at 2 ½ months, Nichols started having seizures.

 “He had to be life-flighted to a hospital,” recalled Renee Jones, Monty's mother.








Hydrocephalus is not an uncommon birth problem. The National Institutes of Health estimate that 1 in 500 children have hydrocephalus.



















The seizures continued, while doctors tried to bring them under control.



















“They eventually told me he had a seizure disorder,” said Renee. “They only recently started using the word 'epilepsy.'”








“Epilepsy is a taboo word,” explained Al Jones, Monty's stepfather.



















Now 9-years-old, Monty is legally blind. He does see light and shadow, is sometimes bothered by a photographer's flash, but the details we take for granted are lacking. He also has developmental delays and is in a special needs class at J. Larry Newton school.








Still, life for Nichols is as normal as possible.



















“He loves to play outdoors; loves the Wiggles” said Renee. “He loves to be on his swing.”



















“He likes and music and singing,” said Al. His parents plan to start him on music lessons, but finding a teacher who can work with a special needs child is difficult.








Monty is still having seizures, despite his doctors' best efforts to come up with medications that will stop the seizures without troubling side effects. Both Jones' recounted tales of medications that left Monty violent or unresponsive.



















“With some medicine, he won't eat,” said Al.








Depakote (Valproic acid) gave the boy a three-year respite from seizures, but the medicine's effects wore off as Monty got older. Plus, the medicine has serious side-effects and Monty had to be monitored constantly for liver damage.



















The seizures are what worry the Jones'. Monty is growing up and naturally wants more independence. His sisters, Skylar and Averi help, but they have lives and concerns of their own.



















But, a prolonged seizure could endanger Monty's life. Knowing that Monty has had or is having a seizure is vital. It is also important that Monty have some protection from falls.








That's where a “seizure dog” comes in. Much like familiar guide dogs for the blind, a seizure dog is trained to help someone who has a seizure disorder.



















“The dog will help break his fall,” said Al. He went on to explain that the dog can be trained to hit a pre-set button on a cell phone that will ring both his and Renee's phones. The dog assists in other ways, and Al said Monty's teacher is happy to learn that Monty might be getting a dog to help him. The service animal will be allowed in school. She will also be trained to give commands to the dog.








A Golden Retriever mix named “Lady” is being trained by Project SAM, Institute for Disability Studies at The University of Southern Mississippi, Al and Renee say.



















The only problem, Al says, is the dog costs around $15,000. It's not covered by insurance and the family can't pay for it.



















A group of friends have arranged for a fundraiser at Oak Hollow Farm, Greeno Road, in Fairhope this Sunday, Dec. 5. The gates will open at noon and the fun runs to 5 p.m.








“There will be three Christian bands, food and a silent auction,” said John Hall, who works at Oak Hollow. While admission is free, plates of food will be $10/plate.



















While Hall








While Hall is Renee Jones' uncle, he said that he did not know the benefit was for her son at first.



















“I got a call from people saying that a little boy needed help,' said Hall. He added that he enjoys helping. He recalled a time when friends had held a fundraiser for him after he had broken his back.








“I am just trying to pay it forward. Monty here needs help,” he said