Trevyn's Seizure Alert Dog

Our little Trevyn (4 years old) has had a rough year!  In March 2016, he suddenly started having large Grand Mal seizures.  We had no idea what caused them to start, or what triggered them that day, but there has been very little relief from seizures since that day.  Within the past few months, he has had a lot of Grand Mal seizures (the complete body shaking), more Myoclonic (smaller jerks--usually just in the head and arms) seizures than we would like to count, multiple drop (atonic) seizures, and a few absence seizures. 

After a few trips to the ER, many visits with neuorolgists and pediatricians, a long weekend spent at Primary Children's Hospital, 3 EEG's, an MRI, many painful blood tests, and finally a genetic test, we have finally gotten an answer.  However, it was not the answer we were hoping and praying for.  Trevyn has mutations on two of his genes, which is most likely causing the seizures. These mutations also mean that he will not grow out of the seizures and will now have epilepsy for the rest of his life.  

We are now trying out the fourth type of medicine, and can't find one that stops all the seizures.  We are on constant alert that one is going to hit at any minute.  The hard part is that being a four year old with epilepsy doesn't work well when trying to gain your own independence! Trevyn constantly has an adult hovering over him.  He can't play on the playgrounds, ride his bike, or even go into the bathroom without someone next to him to keep an eye on him.  

This is why we would LOVE to get him a seizure alert dog!  The dog would be a HUGE help and addition to our family!  A seizure alert dog would be trained to alert us if Trevyn was having a seizure.  They are also trained to get between Trevyn and the floor if he's having a seizure to prevent injury.  Trevyn would be able to have a little more independence with the extra set of guarding eyes. It would also let mom and dad get a little bit of (much needed) sleep and relief from the constant anxiety and stress.  

Seizure Alert dogs are very expensive, and if anyone is willing to help us get this valuable member added to our family, we would be most grateful!!  We can go to California to do a two week training with Trevyn's dog as soon as we raise enough money to cover the cost of the dog, training, vet bills, etc.  It's disheartening how much they cost, but we believe that having a helper and guardian with Trevyn all the time is invaluable.  

Thank you from the bottom of our hearts for your help!!

With love, 
Shila, John, Brenden, and Trevyn Schneider