In the heart of Kentucky, a family stationed at Fort Campbell is embarking on an inspiring mission. Paul and Molly McCurdy are raising funds to secure a specially trained service dog for their daughter, Paislee, who faces numerous medical challenges including cerebral palsy and a rare chromosomal abnormality. Their story reflects both the resilience of military families and the transformative potential of service animals in improving quality of life.

Paul and Molly’s journey began long before their arrival at Fort Campbell. Hailing from Pittsburgh, these high school sweethearts built their lives together after Paul joined the Army in pursuit of financial stability. In 2016, following his basic training at Fort Benning, the couple relocated to Fort Campbell, where they soon learned they were expecting their first child. However, joy turned to concern when Paislee was born prematurely in June 2017, weighing only four pounds. Her health complications mounted rapidly, culminating in a harrowing incident just two months later when she stopped breathing, requiring emergency CPR administered by her mother.

Paislee’s diagnosis revealed multiple conditions, including airway issues and a rare chromosome 10 abnormality that caused ataxic cerebral palsy. Over time, the family navigated countless medical interventions, including spinal surgeries for scoliosis. Throughout this challenging period, the Army provided crucial support, enabling Paul to balance his military duties with his role as a father. Meanwhile, their tight-knit community of fellow soldiers offered invaluable emotional and practical assistance.

The McCurdys’ second child, Lucy, brought additional warmth into their lives. At three years old, Lucy has already demonstrated remarkable maturity and compassion toward her older sister. This bond deepened further in October 2024, when seven-year-old Paislee began learning how to walk. Recognizing the need for greater mobility assistance, the family decided to pursue obtaining a service dog. Enter Clifford, a shelter dog whose natural empathy toward Paislee became evident during their first encounter.

Clifford’s journey toward becoming Paislee’s service dog began with Next Door K9 Solutions in Clarksville. Trainer Alex Rohan recognized the dog’s potential and initiated specialized training focused on enhancing Paislee’s strength and confidence as she learns to walk. The cost of such training, however, ranges from $5,000 to $50,000, prompting the McCurdys to launch a fundraiser titled "Paws for Paislee." Beyond covering Clifford’s expenses, the campaign aims to raise awareness about the importance of service dogs for families like theirs.

As Clifford continues his training, the McCurdys remain hopeful about the positive impact he will have on Paislee’s daily life. Their perseverance serves as a testament to the power of community and determination in overcoming adversity. For the McCurdys, Clifford represents not just a service dog but a symbol of hope and brighter days ahead for their beloved Paislee.

In the world of motorsports, it's easy for casual observers to underestimate the complexity and skill required to race professionally. A recent experiment at Lime Rock Park in Lakeville, Connecticut, put this assumption to the test by pitting four amateur drivers against a seasoned NASCAR professional. Using a high-performance electric vehicle, the Lucid Air, competitors faced a series of challenges designed to simulate the demands of professional racing. This event not only highlighted the gap between amateurs and professionals but also showcased the advanced technology that levels the playing field.

From Braking Zones to Corner Complexes: The Experiment Unfolds

In a picturesque setting surrounded by lush greenery, the competition began with the first challenge: stopping within a designated box after reaching speeds of 60-70 mph. Competitors quickly discovered that mastering brake modulation was far more challenging than anticipated. Moving on to the second task, participants navigated a skid pad to experience the car’s maximum cornering capabilities. Finally, the ultimate test awaited them—a corner complex requiring precision braking, apex speed placement, and smooth throttle management.

Among the competitors were Austin and Tara Nelson, avid NASCAR fans from Aspen, Colorado; Rick Cadotte, a coffee company executive with a lifelong passion for racing; and Bard Kligerman, the older brother of the professional driver. Each brought unique backgrounds and varying levels of confidence to the track, adding an intriguing dynamic to the proceedings.

The results revealed unexpected talent, particularly from Bard Kligerman, whose performance hinted at possible hereditary driving skills. Despite the advanced electronic aids of the Lucid Air minimizing errors, the professional driver still demonstrated superior control and technique throughout the challenges.

Lessons Learned and Future Prospects

This experiment serves as a reminder of the immense dedication and expertise required to excel in professional motorsports. It also highlights how modern technology can bridge gaps between amateurs and professionals, making the sport more accessible to enthusiasts. As plans for future events unfold, there is potential to explore new formats, vehicles, and tracks, inviting even broader participation. Whether you're a skilled amateur or simply curious about racing, these challenges offer valuable insights into the art and science of driving at its highest level.