Still Dealing With One Son's Rare Medical Condition, Family Struggles With Another Diagnosis

MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) -- A family we introduced you to a year and a half ago is facing the second major battle of their lives. You may remember Caleb Pence -- he has a condition where his bones break easily. He's had broken legs and even a broken spine.

But at our studio last year, his wish was granted and he went to Florida to swim with the dolphins.

Now, Caleb's baby brother Joshua is the one with a wish of his own.

It's not easy trying to keep up with your little brother. As of late, not much has been easy for this family of six.

"You know something is a little bit wrong when you walk in the children's hospital and they say 'Hey, how are you guys doing?" Chris Pence, the boys' father, said.

First it was Caleb's fragile bone condition, and the broken legs and broken spine that came with it. He's fragile, but strong after a dream trip south to swim with the dolphins.

Then Josh, their adopted baby boy, was the one in the hospital.

"They actually removed part of his skull and his first two vertebrae just to make room for the spinal fluid to flow," his mother, Megan Pence, said.

A brain malformation, on top of sensory issues and delayed speech, are a result of fetal alcohol disorder. That means major pain and aggressive behavior.

The Pences realized Josh needed help, but not just from humans.

"One of the things that he loves the most in life is animals," Chris Pence said.

The family heard about one group that places service dogs with children suffering from fetal alcohol spectrum disorder, but they have to raise $15,000 to get the pup.

"This dog can be his friend and his companion and show him unconditional love," Megan Pence said. "Because it's hard for him to make friends."

And sometimes the best medicine is a best friend.

If you want to help the Pence's raise money for Joshua to have his own service dog to calm him, you can donate here, or check out the group's Facebook page.