Community Corner

Loganville Girl Battling Lung Disease and Canine Companion to Try Karate

Alida Knobloch, the little Loganville, Ga. girl battling a lung disease, and her canine service dog, will be at A.M.A.I. Karate in Loganville Thursday for Alida to give karate Lessons a try.

Alida Knobloch, of Loganville, Ga. and her trusty canine companion, Mr. Gibbs, will be at A.M.A.I. Karate Thursday for the little girl battling a lung disease to give karate a shot.

"She has an appointment to come in and have a class with the pre-k students," said Kristin Henshaw of A.M.A.I. in Loganville. "Her mom said she's excited to try it out. She wants to have a try at being a Ninja."

Henshaw said as Alida's service dog, would be welcome in the karate studio. Little Alida and Mr. Gibbs touched hearts across the world last year when their story went viral. Little Alida has a rare disease, neuroendocrine hyperplasia of infancy, a lung disorder occuring in some children that makes breathing very difficult. As a result, Alida has to remain attached to an oxygen tank most of the time. A trained goldendoodle, Mr. Gibbs has become the little girl's constant companion, trotting alongside her carrying her lifesaving oxygen wherever she goes.

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The family has used the attention that the two got to do whatever they can to raise awareness and funding for childhood lung disease. A.M.A.I., is hosting a Zumba Party on Oct. 13 to help raise funds for Alida.

"I am hoping she and her mother will come too," Henshaw said. "Her mother says she loves dancing. If anyone has questions about the fundraiser they can contact me at AMAI 770-466-5997 or email me at amaimktg@gmail.com."

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Henshaw said there is a $15 entry fee and all of it benefits Alida's fundraising page. In addition there will be special necklace pendants for sale which also directly benefit research for the lung disease. Anyone wishing to donate directly can do so at the Children's Interstitial Lung Disease Foundation website for Alida. The funds are being raised specifically for NEHI.

See also:

  • A Little Loganville Girl's Best Friend
  • Service Dog Mr. Gibbs


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