ASHLEY’S STORY
Ashley, has battled many health conditions both physical and mental health, for the past 20 years. Ashley was beginning to show signs and symptoms of a neurological condition which started to take notice in September of 2019; it wasn’t until February of 2020 that doctors were finally able to diagnose Ashley with Epilepsy. There are medications that help manage the frequency and severity of epileptic seizures but are not permanent solutions and can be incredibly taxing physically post seizure and mentally while on the prescribed medication. As a Black, Indigenous disabled Woman and Mother, Ashley fights everyday for the opportunity to live a normal life and raise her three babies in the process. Due to her medical conditions Ashley has been out of work due to the Pandemic. Her job is not supportive of her recent diagnosis of Epilepsy as she awaits further tests and results due to the pandemic. As a result this is becoming a trigger for the very things we cannot afford to happen as it may trigger an epileptic seizure.
WHY A SERVICE COMPANION
I have seen first hand the reduction of personal injury and increase of safety a service dog for seizures can provide. Studies have shown that service companions can detect a change and send early alerts to their human companions. This would allow Ashley, enough time to get to a safe location, or alert someone before an epileptic seizure occurs. Service companions can also provide safety while their Human is going through an epileptic seizure. Many things that we take for granted like walking our children to the bus stop, cooking in our kitchen, or grabbing the mail can all contribute to physical and mental strain, which can induce an epileptic seizure.
She’s been my best friend since we were 7 years old; this woman is capable of many things, has a heart of Aloha, and shows up for her community everyday. Ashley is a medicine woman, healer, business woman, and supports her veteran elders who are often mistreated in the medical industry, she was their voice. Every moment we have with her is a blessing.
HOW YOU CAN HELP ASHLEY
We are raising $6,000 for Ashley to have an Epilepsy focused and trained Service companion, your donations will pay for the training fees, and certification her service companion will be required to complete. We have a long way to go, but we are grateful for this opportunity!
If you would like to donate directly to The Cooper Family and avoid any GFM fees. Ashley's Husband Markiss has established an account for Ashley and can be sent through Venmo: @MarkissCooper-Evans
it will say, “iHaul-Delivery” that is the right one :) THANK YOU SO MUCH for the communication and your patience as we navigate this. 
Informative Links:
https://www.epilepsy.com/article/2014/4/revised-definition-epilepsy
I have obtained permission from the woman featured in this link to educate others about the importance of having a service companion and the awareness of Black Women with disabilities.
https://youtu.be/cl0BllC9Enk
