Zumba Party at A.M.A.I. for Young Loganville Girl Battling Lung Disease

Alida Knobloch, of Loganville, Ga. was at A.M.A.I. Karate last week to try her hand at karate. Kristin Henshaw of A.M.A.I. said she was a trooper and stuck it out for about 15 minutes.

"Her dad said that was the most activity she's done ever," said Henshaw. "She worked out with one of our instructors, Tyler Parr."

Henshaw said her service dog, touched the hearts of people all over the world, would likely be back to try it again.

"She got to take her uniform home and she was excited about that," Henshaw said.

The story of little Alida and her service dog Mr. Gibbs went viral earlier after a video was made of the little girl and her trusty companion. Alida has a rare disease, neuroendocrine hyperplasia of infancy, a lung disorder occuring in some children that makes breathing very difficult. As a result, Alida has to remain attached to an oxygen tank most of the time. A trained goldendoodle, Mr. Gibbs has become the little girl's constant companion, trotting alongside her carrying her lifesaving oxygen wherever she goes.

The family has used the attention that the two got to do whatever they can to raise awareness and funding for childhood lung disease. A.M.A.I., is hosting a Zumba Party on Oct. 13 to help them in their efforts. Henshaw said she hopes Alida and her mother will attend the party too.

There is a $15 entry fee and all of it benefits Alida's fundraising page. In addition there will be special necklace pendants for sale, which also directly benefit research for the lung disease. Anyone wishing to donate directly can do so at the Children's Interstitial Lung Disease Foundation website for Alida. The funds are being raised specifically for NEHI.

If anyone has questions about the fundraiser they can contact Henshaw at A.M.A.I - 770-466-5997 or email amaimktg@gmail.com.

See also:

• A Little Loganville Girl's Best Friend

• Service Dog Mr. Gibbs