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HUNTSVILLE, Ala. (WHNT)–Thursday night dozens of people came out to support a family trying to raise money for a service dog to help their daughter with autism. The Chick-Fil-A on South Memorial Parkway in Huntsville and the Essential Church held a fundraiser for Brinley Sparks and her family.

Brinley was diagnosed with moderate-severe autism in January 2013 at age 2. She’s made a lot of progress but still struggles in many areas. The family is hoping a service dog will help.

“The dog will be trained to interrupt meltdowns and provide comfort, to alert us to any dangerous behaviors, to prevent her from wandering,” said Brinley’s mom Ashley while at the fundraiser.

A portion of money from customers who showed a flyer supporting the family will go to the Buddy for Brinley fund. The Sparks family had raised about $5,000 of their $15,000 goal on a Gofundme page prior to tonight’s event.