A Life Changed By Lumi
Lumi, Stacey’s service dog.
In February 2017, Stacey faced an uncertain future after receiving life-changing news: she had multiple sclerosis.
Determined to stay independent, Stacey turned her focus to getting a service dog—despite her neurologist’s skepticism.
She began researching and applying to service dog organizations across the Midwest, driven by her desire to live life without limits. That opportunity came when the Indiana Canine Assistant Network (ICAN) called her for an interview.
During the interview, Stacey was asked questions such as, “Why do you want a service dog?” and “How do you think a service dog would bring value to your life?”
Stacey’s answer? “I want to stay independent. I don’t want to give in to this disease.”
ICAN’s second interview took place at Stacey’s home. They inspected, observed, and asked more questions. A third interview brought her back to Indianapolis—this time to meet two potential matches. That’s when everything changed.
In walked ICAN Lumi, whom Stacey quickly nicknamed “Mr. Wiggles.”
“It was incredible. I gave him some commands, and he completed everything I asked,” Stacey remembered.
After spending a few more weeks with ICAN’s incarcerated handlers to fine-tune his skills, Lumi and Stacey began their journey together in June 2019.
Stacey and Lumi atop the St. Louis Arch.
Since then, they’ve been inseparable. They’ve traveled together across the country on countless vacations, business trips, flights, train rides—even to the top of the St. Louis Arch.
But Lumi isn’t just good company on vacation—he’s essential. He retrieves dropped items like car keys and silverware, assists with removing shoes and socks, and helps Stacey maintain her balance.
One of Lumi’s most impressive tasks? Helping Stacey with laundry. He picks up clothes for her to load into the washer, then pulls them out after the cycle is complete and hands them to her for the dryer.
Stacey speaking at Wine & Wags, ICAN’s biggest fundraiser.
After she and Lumi were paired, Stacey also had the honor of meeting Terry—the generous donor who sponsored Lumi and made the partnership possible.
Reflecting on that moment, Stacey said, “What a magnificent gift—to give someone the chance to live a more normal life.”
With Lumi, Stacey gained freedom, confidence, and a partner who never leaves her side. What once seemed impossible became reality. Thanks to Lumi—and the donors and volunteers who make partnerships like this possible—Stacey isn’t just getting by. She’s thriving.
