Service dog for Izabel

Izabel is local Allentown, PA girl who could really use some help from the community.   Izabel has qualified for a service dog and the family has already raised $15,000 to pay for the cost of training of the dog. This is a family with two working parents but it is challenging to make ends meet all the time, especially with huge medical costs.  This is a wonderful family with two disabled children in the family but all the children are amazing! The agency located in Xenia, Ohio and the agency is 4Paws For Ability (http://4pawsforability.org/) Their belief is "They take out the 'dis' out of disability."

Belle is 14 year old young girl and she desperately needs a service dog.  Belle is an absolutely delightful young girl who is so appreciative of anything someone does to help her.   Now, the family needs help from the community because they need to raise funds for the trip and training to pick up the dog in Ohio.   This will truly be a life changing benefit in Izabel's life.  

Izabel has been diagnosed with autism, which is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by impaired social interaction, verbal and non-verbal communication and restricted and repetitive behavior.  The service dog is a sensory dog and will be able to detect issues with Belle well in advance of her passing out or having a seizure. 

She also has hypoglycemia, also known as low blood glucose or low blood sugar and this occurs when the level of glucose in your blood drops below normal and can cause clumsiness, trouble talking, confusion, loss of consciousness, seizures, or death.  The dog will be able to detect a drop in Izabel’s blood sugar more than 15 minutes in advance. 

Another disorder for Belle is a mitochondrial disorder and this causes the cells throughout the body responsible for creating 90% of the energy needed to support organ function. When mitochondria  disorder malfunction, organs start to fail – people get sick, and even die.  They dog will be able to alert the family if Belle is about to have a serious issue with her mitochondrial issue.  

Ataxia is another trial for Belle because this is a neurological disorder consisting of lack of voluntary coordination of muscle movements including an abnormal gait.  

Mild Mental Retardation is another challenge also known as general learning disability.   Mental retardation is a generalized neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by significantly impaired intellectual and adaptive functioning.

You can definitely say Izabel has many health trials but although fighting all of these issues she is a happy and joyful child.   The dog Belle will be getting is going to have sensory capabilities.   This will truly be a blessing!  Her dog will detect a seizure or a hypoglycemia drop as much as 15 minutes in advance so the dog can alert Belle  and the family of the impending dangerous situation.

The trip to pick up Belle's dog will require two weeks in a hotel for a family of 6 in Xenia, Ohio.  This is an 8 hour drive for the family and they are required to train 3 people to work with the dog.  They will be eating in the hotel somewhat but part of the training requires they must take the dog out to restaurants and malls to make sure everyone can handle these situations.    They will need help with funds for food for the two week stay as well.  

The family is also going to incur ongoing cost for the service dog after the training because it may require grooming, food and veterinary care.    They are also require to carry insurance on the dog in case of a possible tragedy.  These expenses will make a tight budget even tighter.

We wanted to thank anyone in advance who can find it in their heart to help out the Izabel and the Ortiz family!  Any help no matter how small or great is so greatly appreciated! 

Sincerely
The Ortiz Family

Go Fund Me Account:  https://www.gofundme.com/a54v5ukc?ssid=799982525&pos=1

Facebook Link:
https://www.facebook.com/A-Service-Dog-For-Izabel-545106822346536/?ref=br_rs