January 1, 2016
Voluntary Contribution
VO LUM E 1 5 | IS S U E 6 | FREE
PROGRAM
See ad inside for details CentennialCitizen.net A R A P A H O E C O U N T Y, C O L O R A D O
A publication of
Tate named to state Senate State representative to replace fellow Centennial Republican David Balmer in District 27 By Alex DeWind adewind@coloradocommunitymedia.com
Patrick, 10, and Bindy, a 2-year-old Labrador retriever, share a unique relationship of work and play. “Just knowing she is here calms me,” Patrick said. Photos by Alex DeWind
10-year-old finds miracle in canine friend Stink Bug Project pairs sick children with companion dogs
Tate continues on Page 9
WHAT’S INSIDE
By Alex DeWind adewind@coloradocommunitymedia.com Patrick Kaplan, 10, walked out of his house on a wintry, mid-December day to find a Labrador retriever in his yard. The dog, named Bindy, would help Patrick cope with his longtime illness called cyclic vomiting syndrome, or CVS. “I was so happy,” Patrick said. “I finally got my miracle.” Patrick, who lives in Centennial, was diagnosed with CVS when he was 8 years old. The chronic condition involves episodes of nausea and vomiting, which often occur while he is sleeping. The condition is rare and affects about 2 percent of school-age children, according to Mayo Clinic. When Patrick’s parents, Denise and Scott, discovered there was no fix for their son’s condition, they contacted the Stink Bug Project through Rocky Mountain Children’s Health Foundation, at 5349 Marshall St. in Arvada, in hopes of getting their son a companion dog. The family couldn’t have asked for a better solution, Denise said. Project continues on Page 9
State Rep. Jack Tate, R-Centennial, has been appointed to fill the vacancy in state Senate District 27 following the resignation of David Balmer. Tate, who was elected to the State House District 37 seat in 2014, was nominated for the Senate post and won the unanimous Tate support of 91 members of
Denise Kaplan and her son, Patrick, sit on the couch as Bindy naps in between them after a busy day. “We never expected to have anything more than a companion dog for Patrick,” Denise said. “And she is so much more.”
FACTS ABOUT CYCLIC VOMITING SYNDROME It involves intense episodes of nausea or vomiting that can last for hours or days. It affects all ages. It’s difficult to diagnose because vomiting is a part of other illnesses.
Its cause is unknown. It can result in dehydration, injury to the food tube and tooth decay. Source: www.mayoclinic.org
Top stories: Above, Cherry Creek lacrosse players celebrate their 5A championship game victory over Regis Jesuit at Sports Authority Stadium in May. For more of the top stories of the year, see Page 5
Mention this ad to receive
$150 off your first treatment with Kybella 303-945-2080
See page 3 for RN, Laura Carlsen’s column about Double Chins and Sagging Neck treatment options