A Seizure Dog for Gracie
Donation protected
- 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. I sometimes have dozens of absence seizures daily—some of these turn into cluster seizures which can last anywhere from 3 to 25 minutes. The cluster seizures feel like, I have been stripped of my independence, and it feels like they get worse each day. 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. I was hospitalized this 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 a senior in high school. 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 I've worked really hard at my studies. Having so many little seizures makes it difficult to remember where I left off in reading and I have to revisit what my teachers are 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 attend college, 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 $16,000. 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
Organizer
Ernestine O'Hair
Organizer
Beaverton, OR
