Secluded in Upstate New York Bill and Leo just have eachother. Due to many circumstances Bill's lives off very little income and Leo recently was diagnosed with an ulcerated cornea and Lyme disease. We paid $250 towards Bill's gas to get vet care but we learned he doesn't eat in order to care of his dog. He suffers from Aspergers syndrome and feels that Leo is like his son. He will do anything to keep him well, including going without. We'd like to help him get some food and Ferry trips to and from the vet that is 80 miles away. A book of 10 round trip coupons is $134 and the remainder of your donations we planned to buy him a gift card at Price Chopper Grocery store which is about 10 miles from his house. Leo's Lyme disease his not much better and it hinders his eye from healing.

This is what Bill's Lilly Fund application said:
I'm not sure this grant would apply to my needs, but I am going to try anyway. I am an individual with Aspergers syndrome, which is an Autism spectrum disorder. Leo is my dog who I live with by myself. Leo is not an official service dog but he provides a great service to me. Leo was given to me by my Father 7 years ago, and shortly after my father passed away, Leaving me on my own with Leo. I am dependent on My Fathers social security and a little bit of SSI for my survival. I normally get by ok on my own with Leo and some support from county and state services. A little over a month ago Leo was diagnosed with a very painful condition called an ulcerated cornea in his eye. I have been to the vet several times and most recently the veterinary eye specialist trying to help Leo. Due to my limited income and resources all that can be done to help Leo has not been able to be performed die to my lack of ability to show an ability to pay. I am lucky enough to have a great organization called Measles animal haven Pit Bull rescue and sanctuary help me raise funds to get Leo back to the eye specialist to get the proper testing and treatment that he needs. as of today they have raised 700 dollars and I am going to call tomorrow to make an appointment to bring Leo as soon as possible. Unfortunately I live in a very isolated region of the Adirondack Mountains in NY and the nearest eye specialist is in Vermont, and getting there requires over 80 mile round trip and a ferry ride across Lake Champlain which costs 20 dollars for a round trip. Plus the fuel expense for my old ford pickup truck. I have noticed that your grant seems geared toward organizations that help Pit Bulls rather than individuals with individual dogs with problems, and I understand if for this reason you are unable to consider me for your grant. But I must try everything possible to help my best friend and I humbly ask that you might consider making an exception to your normal protocol. Thank You.