The Role Of Service Dogs In NF With John Manth
My guest this episode is John Manth, father of Leah Manth, who was diagnosed with Neurofibromatosis Type 2 (NF2-SWN) in 2007. John discusses their family's journey in seeking treatments and a cure for NF2, his extensive involvement in various NF organizations, and the impactful role of their service dog, Dasher. The conversation covers topics such as the training process for service dogs, the importance of service animals for individuals with disabilities, and the special relationship between Leah and Dasher. John also emphasizes the significance of community involvement and advocacy in the NF community.
00:00 Introduction
00:16 Meet John Math: Advocate and Father
00:43 John's Advocacy and Achievements
02:50 Interview with John Manth Begins
03:07 Leah's Diagnosis and Journey
03:45 The Role of Service Dogs
05:32 Meet Dasher: Leah's Service Dog
06:01 Training and Adaptation
08:05 The Amazing Adaptability of NF Patients
10:46 Legalities and Logistics of Service Dogs
18:40 Long-Term Outlook and Retirement of Service Dogs
23:35 The Bond Between Leah and Dasher
23:50 Training and Adaptation for Evolving Needs
24:59 Service Dogs for Various Disabilities
25:58 Heartwarming Stories of Service Dogs
28:16 Types of Working Dogs and Their Roles
31:00 Traveling with a Service Dog
32:33 The Reality of Owning a Service Dog
34:46 Future Considerations and Assistive Technologies
38:57 Getting Involved and Finding Support
42:15 Conclusion and Contact Information
00:00 Introduction
00:16 Meet John Math: Advocate and Father
00:43 John's Advocacy and Achievements
02:50 Interview with John Manth Begins
03:07 Leah's Diagnosis and Journey
03:45 The Role of Service Dogs
05:32 Meet Dasher: Leah's Service Dog
06:01 Training and Adaptation
08:05 The Amazing Adaptability of NF Patients
10:46 Legalities and Logistics of Service Dogs
18:40 Long-Term Outlook and Retirement of Service Dogs
23:35 The Bond Between Leah and Dasher
23:50 Training and Adaptation for Evolving Needs
24:59 Service Dogs for Various Disabilities
25:58 Heartwarming Stories of Service Dogs
28:16 Types of Working Dogs and Their Roles
31:00 Traveling with a Service Dog
32:33 The Reality of Owning a Service Dog
34:46 Future Considerations and Assistive Technologies
38:57 Getting Involved and Finding Support
42:15 Conclusion and Contact Information
Creators and Guests
Guest
Dasher Manth
Dasher is a 7 year old golden lab born in Ohio. He assists Leah Manth with her with balance and hearing. Dasher is also Leah's best friend and goes to all her doctors appointments, treatments, and surgeries to help take care of her. His hobbies include eating peanut butter, playing with his toys, and chasing balls. He is a very good boy.
Guest
John Manth
John is the father of Leah Math, who was diagnosed with NF two in 2007 when she was just seven years old. John and his family are dedicated to finding meaningful treatments and a cure for NF2. He is the current president of the board of directors for the NF Network as well as chairman of the board of directors for NF Northeast--he previously served on the board of directors for NF2 BioSolutions, as well as Advocure NF2. Since Leah's diagnosis, the Manth family and friends have raised a million dollars and sponsored 13 NF2 research studies. John is a staunch advocate for federal funding for NF research and assists in coordinating, training, and mentoring NF families attending the NF Network's annual trip to Washington, D.C. He has extensive experience in fundraising, non-profit organizational leadership, advocacy, and NF outreach. John, his wife Linda, and Dr. Scott Plotkin co-wrote a booklet entitled "Understanding NF2," published by the NF Network. He has also written articles on various NF topics. Additionally, he has presented at numerous NF symposia and has facilitated many NF family and patient discussions. John teaches undergraduate courses in violence, global crime, and comparative criminal justice at Hilbert College in Hamburg, New York, as well as a criminal justice career program to high school students. He holds a Bachelor's of Arts degree in Criminology from the University of Maryland and a Master's of Arts degree in Criminal Justice and Education from Buffalo State College.
