Danny Lewis needs a $12,000 service dog. (Source: Kyle Grainger, WVLT)

LENIOR CITY, Tenn. (WVLT) -- Danny Lewis, 7, Lenior City, was recently diagnosed with CDD also known as Heller's disease. Doctors describe it as a rare form of dementia in children.

A rare disorder that causes children to have bad behavioral problem and a loss of social skills. Along with a loss of memory, Danny will also become non-verbal and control of bladder functions will fade.

"It's just hard because people don't understand what he has. It's just like autism just a little bit worse. We're at our last stages of our school," said Danny's mom Kristin Brownlee. "I have 8 months to come up with $12,000."

Brownlee says doctors have approved Danny for a service dog to help him with his illness. Brownlee says as a single mom raising two disabled kids she doesn't have the money to buy the dog. She's hoping a series of fundraisers will help raise enough.

"He got approved for a service dog because because when he gets upset and starts having his melt down problems, he runs. He gets embarrassed or scared, he runs," she said when describing why he needs the dog.

Brownlee plans to hold a bake sale at the Lenior City Festival on October 6 from noon-4:30PM. She's planning another fundraiser, a Pancake Breakfast, on October 27 at the LC Ruritan Rotary Club 8-11AM.

To buy tickets or help email Wilderwoods Service Dogs at wilderwood@charter.net.