Hi everyone! For those of you that do not know me, my name is Lauren Moorhead. I am a 19 years old chronic illness warrior. I suffer daily from many chronic illnesses, including systemic lupus, POTS (postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome), gastroparesis, etc.
Lupus is a systemic autoimmune disease that occurs when your body's immune system attacks your own tissues and organs. Inflammation caused by lupus can affect many different body systems — including your joints, skin, kidneys, blood cells, brain, heart and lungs.
Postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS) is a condition that affects circulation (blood flow). POTS is a form of orthostatic intolerance, the development of symptoms that come on when standing up from a reclining position, and that may be relieved by sitting or lying back down. The primary symptom of an orthostatic intolerance is lightheadedness, fainting, and an uncomfortable, rapid increase in heartbeat. I was diagnosed with both at the age of 15.
I have been dealing with constant chronic pain for almost 7 years. I have my good days and bad days, but recently my symptoms have been getting progressively worse. About a month ago I was diagnosed with gastroparesis (delayed gastric emptying), which is a condition that affects the stomach muscles and prevents proper stomach emptying. Since my diagnosis, I have been unable to eat or drink as much as I'm used to. I barely get 300+ calories a day. I have lost +25lbs in a months time and it is progressing. We are doing everything we can finding a doctor who is willing to help me.
The idea of a service dog started to sound like a really good idea. I have made many friends who deal with the same chronic illnesses that I have, and they've all said that having a service dog has changed their lives. Here are some of the ways a service dog could help me!
- the dog could alert family members if I pass out, and try to wake me up
- if I do pass out, the dog could get under my legs and raise them, so the blood could go back to my heart and into my brain, which could help me wake up
- the dog could sense when my heart rate elevates or blood pressure drops, which could prevent me from having an episode
- the dog could act as stability for me if I feel dizzy.
- I suffer from extreme anxiety, so there are ways that the dog could help prevent panic attacks
- I would be able to take the dog anywhere I go (school, concerts, hospitals, doctors appointments, airports, you name it!)
These are just a list of the small things that a service dog could do for me. I have had so many normal teenage things stripped from me, like going to college and being able to go out with friends, and having a service dog will help me find a purpose in the midst of all of this pain. Having a helper like a service dog would immensely help me physically, but also mentally. It would bring so much more joy into my life.
I have contacted many breeders across Texas to see if any of them would be willing to work with me to find a puppy with the qualities that a service dog needs. I know for a fact that I would like a golden doodle, and we found the perfect breeder.
http://www.lonestardoodles.com/
A medium size or standard size goldendoodle costs about $2,000. (this includes the puppy getting spayed or neutered).
We have also found a facility near my house where the puppy would be trained to become a service dog.
The cost to train a Service Dog in our program is $2,400.00-$4,800.00
Having a service dog would be a tremendous help for not only me, but for my family. It would provide a feeling of safety and comfort for all of us. If you guys could pray about if you would like to donate, or how much you would like to donate, that would be amazing. I have already received a huge amount of love and prayers from so many people, and I cannot thank you enough.
Whether its $1 or $10, any donation is immensely appreciated.
If any of you have any questions about what a service dog could do to help me, feel free to message me on instagram (@laurmoorhead) or on my facebook.
PLEASE SHARE THIS!!
https://www.facebook.com/laurensprayer/?ref=br_rs
Lupus is a systemic autoimmune disease that occurs when your body's immune system attacks your own tissues and organs. Inflammation caused by lupus can affect many different body systems — including your joints, skin, kidneys, blood cells, brain, heart and lungs.
Postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS) is a condition that affects circulation (blood flow). POTS is a form of orthostatic intolerance, the development of symptoms that come on when standing up from a reclining position, and that may be relieved by sitting or lying back down. The primary symptom of an orthostatic intolerance is lightheadedness, fainting, and an uncomfortable, rapid increase in heartbeat. I was diagnosed with both at the age of 15.
I have been dealing with constant chronic pain for almost 7 years. I have my good days and bad days, but recently my symptoms have been getting progressively worse. About a month ago I was diagnosed with gastroparesis (delayed gastric emptying), which is a condition that affects the stomach muscles and prevents proper stomach emptying. Since my diagnosis, I have been unable to eat or drink as much as I'm used to. I barely get 300+ calories a day. I have lost +25lbs in a months time and it is progressing. We are doing everything we can finding a doctor who is willing to help me.
The idea of a service dog started to sound like a really good idea. I have made many friends who deal with the same chronic illnesses that I have, and they've all said that having a service dog has changed their lives. Here are some of the ways a service dog could help me!
- the dog could alert family members if I pass out, and try to wake me up
- if I do pass out, the dog could get under my legs and raise them, so the blood could go back to my heart and into my brain, which could help me wake up
- the dog could sense when my heart rate elevates or blood pressure drops, which could prevent me from having an episode
- the dog could act as stability for me if I feel dizzy.
- I suffer from extreme anxiety, so there are ways that the dog could help prevent panic attacks
- I would be able to take the dog anywhere I go (school, concerts, hospitals, doctors appointments, airports, you name it!)
These are just a list of the small things that a service dog could do for me. I have had so many normal teenage things stripped from me, like going to college and being able to go out with friends, and having a service dog will help me find a purpose in the midst of all of this pain. Having a helper like a service dog would immensely help me physically, but also mentally. It would bring so much more joy into my life.
I have contacted many breeders across Texas to see if any of them would be willing to work with me to find a puppy with the qualities that a service dog needs. I know for a fact that I would like a golden doodle, and we found the perfect breeder.
http://www.lonestardoodles.com/
A medium size or standard size goldendoodle costs about $2,000. (this includes the puppy getting spayed or neutered).
We have also found a facility near my house where the puppy would be trained to become a service dog.
The cost to train a Service Dog in our program is $2,400.00-$4,800.00
Having a service dog would be a tremendous help for not only me, but for my family. It would provide a feeling of safety and comfort for all of us. If you guys could pray about if you would like to donate, or how much you would like to donate, that would be amazing. I have already received a huge amount of love and prayers from so many people, and I cannot thank you enough.
Whether its $1 or $10, any donation is immensely appreciated.
If any of you have any questions about what a service dog could do to help me, feel free to message me on instagram (@laurmoorhead) or on my facebook.
PLEASE SHARE THIS!!
https://www.facebook.com/laurensprayer/?ref=br_rs
Organizer
Lauren Moorhead
Organizer
Fulshear, TX