Giving Tuesday 2024

From Puppy to Partner: Prince and Peter’s Giving Tuesday Journey Begins

Peter Chryst, a proud Marine Corps and National Guard veteran, has always dedicated his life to serving others. Now, as he faces the challenges of Parkinson’s disease, he’s embarking on a new journey—one where a service dog like Prince can help restore his independence and provide the physical and emotional support he needs. With your help, Peter can receive a life-changing companion to assist him during his toughest moments, offering not just mobility, retrieval, alerting and pressure therapy support, but the comfort of a loyal "battle buddy" in his fight against Parkinson’s. Your donation can help make this new chapter possible—one filled with hope, companionship, and independence.

For Peter, a service dog is not just a companion—it’s a lifeline. He envisions a service dog as his new "battle buddy," someone who can offer physical support when mobility becomes a challenge and emotional support during moments of stress and solitude. With a service dog by his side, Peter believes he can regain independence and manage his symptoms more effectively.

This Giving Tuesday, we invite you to join Peter on his journey toward greater independence and a life filled with less isolation and more hope. Your donation will help provide Peter with a trained service dog that can support him physically, mentally, and emotionally as he navigates life with Parkinson’s.

Please, consider giving to help make Peter’s vision a reality. With your support, we can provide Peter with the gift of a new companion—a partner that will help him overcome the challenges of Parkinson’s and bring comfort during difficult times.

Together, we can change Peter’s life for the better.

Peter's Journey: A Story of Service, Struggle, and the Gift of Independence

Peter Chryst’s journey is one of service, sacrifice, and resilience. Growing up with a deep respect for those who served before him, Peter’s dream to join the military became a reality when he enlisted in the US Marine Corps in 1995. As a Landing Support Specialist, Peter learned the true meaning of discipline, service, and honor. His dedication continued in the North Carolina Army National Guard from 2000 to 2017, where he served in the cannon artillery community, ultimately becoming a battalion master gunner.

Peter service pics 1 Throughout his military career, Peter’s commitment to others was evident in every role he took. His leadership style, rooted in servant leadership, inspired those around him. But the challenges he faced didn’t stop when he left the military. In 2015, Peter began experiencing troubling symptoms, including balance issues. After years of doctor visits and specialists, Peter was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease in 2022.

Parkinson’s has significantly impacted Peter’s life, challenging him both physically and emotionally. But through it all, Peter’s spirit remains unbroken. He has learned that the disease has deepened his empathy and compassion, helping him understand that everyone faces struggles of their own.

However, the daily realities of Parkinson’s present significant obstacles. Managing his symptoms requires strict medication schedules and constant reminders to ensure that he stays on track. And during the “off” periods of Parkinson’s, when his symptoms worsen, Peter often struggles with mobility and experiences feelings of isolation and loneliness. This is where a service dog, like Prince, could make all the difference.

Throughout his military career, Peter’s commitment to others was evident in every role he took. His leadership style, rooted in servant leadership, inspired those around him. But the challenges he faced didn’t stop when he left the military. In 2015, Peter began experiencing troubling symptoms, including balance issues. After years of doctor visits and specialists, Peter was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease in 2022.

Get to Know Peter!

Peter Chryst was born in Minnesota but moved to Matthews, North Carolina, at the age of 7. Matthews became a place of discovery and adventure for him, where he could ride his bike, explore the woods, and revel in the simple joys of childhood. He fondly remembers those early years as the foundation of his love for the outdoors and close-knit community life. His life took a transformative turn when he met his wife in Charlotte in 1998 while serving in the Marines. Their connection was instant, and they married shortly after in Matthews. Now celebrating 25 years of marriage, Peter credits his wife as his greatest supporter and best friend, standing by him through military deployments, health challenges, and life’s many highs and lows.

Together, Peter and his wife are the proud parents of their son, Ethan, whom they welcomed into their family at 16 months old. Now 15 years old, Ethan is a dedicated student-athlete at Butler High School, where he plays both football and baseball. Family time is precious to the Chrysts, and they enjoy bonding over fishing trips and creating lasting memories together. Peter’s upbringing in the church and his years in the Marines profoundly shaped his character. These experiences instilled in him the values of discipline, faith, and resilience—qualities that have guided him through life’s challenges and triumphs. One of Peter’s greatest passions is fly fishing, a hobby that serves as both a creative outlet and a source of solace. Whether he’s wading into a trout stream or tying intricate flies at his vise, Peter finds peace and relief from life’s stresses in the rhythmic flow of the water and the artistry of his craft. Fly fishing is more than a pastime for him; it’s a way to connect with nature and recharge his spirit.

Dear Friends,One year ago, we lost a true hero and beloved friend. On June 24, 2023, Samantha’s devoted diabetic alert service dog Moonpie passed away after eight years of service. Today we honor Moonpie’s remarkable life and the unwavering bond she shared with Samantha. This day of remembrance is a tribute and celebration of Moonpie who was a loyal companion, touched many hearts and along with Samantha raised awareness of the incredible impact service dogs have in the lives of those in need. Moonpie dedicated her life to keeping Samantha safe, alerting her to changes in her blood sugar levels. Samantha could always count on Moonpie, which allowed her to lead a life outside of her disability. Moonpie was more than a service dog, she was a guardian, a confidant and a symbol of hope and resilience. The bond they had was a testament to the profound connection that can exist between humans and animals.As we remember Moonpie, we also aim to raise awareness and support for Project 2 Heal, the nonprofit organization that brought Moonpie and Samantha together. Project 2 Heal is dedicated to breeding, nurturing, and training service dogs, giving more people the chance to experience the life-changing support these incredible animals provide. In Moonpie’s honor, we invite you to join us in celebrating her legacy by sharing your stories, memories, and support. Your engagement will not only pay tribute to Moonpie but also help raise funds for Project 2 Heal, ensuring that more service dogs can be placed with those who need them most. Your contributions, whether through donations, spreading the word, or simply sharing your stories, will make a significant impact. Thank you for helping us remember Moonpie and for supporting the mission of Project 2 Heal. Together, we can continue to change lives, one service dog at a time. With heartfelt gratitude, Project 2 Heal