Help get Gracie her seizure dog Clara
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- UPDATE: MEET MY WONDERFUL FUTURE SERVICE DOG CLARA!! I am so excited to know Medical mutts has a dog waiting for me. She was picked out especially for me. We start training May 19th together, so we need a miracle. The only way this can work is if we raise more funds in time. Clara is a Golden Lab and she is 1 and 1/2 years old. She is a big sweetheart, and just has the sweetest eyes that I could look at for days. I will be going to Indiana with my Mom for 10 days. There she will have to learn my scent for when I have a seizure. We will be learning her commands, and taking her out in public as my service dog.
- UPDATE: I am now 19 years old, and I attend Portland Community College. I changed my major to Gerontology, which is the study of aging and older adults. My goal is to work as an Activities Director. I currently work as a Activities Assistant at a Assisted Living Facility. Having my dog with me will change my life. I will be able to take the bus to work, Go places by myself, Including school, and Eventually live independently from my parents. Please consider donating to Me and Clara. I am asking from the bottom of heart, if you could share this with your friends and family.
- Thank you so much!!!
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- Hi! My name is Gracie, and I am fundraising for a highly trained Seizure alert dog from Medical Mutts. I have epilepsy, and this dog would make a big difference in my life. I have always wished that I could do what other people could. Swim, drive a car, ride a bike, not always have to have accommodations that feel like royal treatment, and get a job that accepts me for me. The closest thing to feeling normal is this dog. Always having a furry friend beside me while I am having a seizure would help me feel safe, and not feel alone. Even though I may look like I don't have epilepsy I do, and it's one of the hardest things because it feels like everyone is going to judge me or say no to me just because I have a disability. Having a Seizure Dog could mean, I could gain protection, and maybe a new best friend.
Here is my story. I was diagnosed with epilepsy when I was 2 years old. Since I am getting older, my seizures are changing. Up until, about 6 months ago, I was having dozens of seizures daily—some of these turn into cluster seizures which can last anywhere from 3 to 25 minutes. Now, I am currently on a keto diet and my seizures are more controlled. Allowing me to do some of the things I love. I feel like, I am getting some of my independence back. I still have some break-through seizures on some bad days. After my seizures, they make me very exhausted. Grand-mal seizures do not happen often, but when they do they pose a grave danger. The greatest risk is a head injury caused by falling or when eating I could choke. My seizure dog could alert me to put food and drink aside. Also my dog can alert me up to two minutes before a seizure.
I was hospitalized last year following a grand-mal seizure I had at school. I fell and hit my head resulting in a concussion. At the time I was by myself in the bathroom. Seizure dogs are trained to alert before the seizure begins, this would have given me time to lie down in a safe place and my dog could stay with me until help arrived.
I'm now 18 years old and just graduated. Now going into my first year at Portland Community College. My faith is strong, and I believe that one day I will live without seizures. I understand the challenges of living with epilepsy and can advocate well for myself. I just want to live a long and purpose-filled life. I have maintained a GPA of 3.80 in Highschool. I've worked really hard at my studies. Having so many seizures made it difficult to remember where I left off in reading and I had to revisit what my teachers were instructing. My desire is to work with Wildlife, rehabilitate animals, and work within their habitats. I also want to work in conservation efforts. A Seizure dog will not only allow me to continue my college path, but to live independently from my parents, gain life experiences, and thrive in my daily living and in a career I love.
I have passed the interview process with Medical Mutts, but before they select a dog to begin training, I need to raise $4,000 for the first payment. My seizure dog will cost $20,000. The training takes up to 2 years, so funds are needed as soon as possible. When my dog is fully trained my family and I, will fly down to Indiana for 10 days so that I can meet, bond, and train with my dog then return home to a new life of independence. Service dogs travel at no charge in the main cabin of the plane with their owner. Right now, I can not travel without a companion. It is exciting to think that in the future, I will be able to travel on my own with my Seizure Dog.
The total fundraising goal is $30,000. This amount includes dollars needed for the 10-day training period required for me and my Seizure Dog, travel, lodging, and meals for me and my parents.
Thank you so much for taking time to read this. I appreciate even the smallest gift. Could you please help me and share my story?
Gracie O'Hair
Organizer
Ernestine O'Hair
Organizer
Beaverton, OR