Help Alaina get her Service Dog!

Hello!

I'm Alaina.

I'm not sure where to even begin!

I've been somewhat open with what our boys have been through on social media. Thankfully, our youngest Sulley is doing much better now, and still no longer requires oxygen. Our oldest, Thomas, is still having some issues with many ups and downs, good days and very bad days. Thomas has PANDAS and ODD, and we struggle daily with his issues. It's been a hard few years for our family, and one thing I've managed to do the entire time is neglect myself.

I had Hyperemesis Gravidarum during my pregnancies and nearly died from the last go at it. I was in and out of the hospital with both, and put on TPN through a PICC line with home health to make it to 34 weeks with Sulley.

I have chronic vomiting syndrome, a lasting symptom, and now a chronic condition, stemming from my HG. After multiple tests, doctor visits, out-of-state hospital visits etc., I was officially diagnosed and there are not many treatments. But even dealing with that isn't the worst part of my day-to-day life.

I have POTS (postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome), a form of Dysautonomia. I've had this since my teenage years, and since having Sulley, it's continued to worsen.

My resting heart rate can easily be in the 90s or 100s some days.

It can cause my heart rate to jump extremely high, making me dizzy, feeling extremely faint, and on some occasions making me pass out.

Though I push through and take care of the boys, continue my love of photography with my business, and do my best to have a "normal" day-to-day life, it can be extremely overwhelming and hard.

It's been on my mind and heart for a long time to seek getting a service dog.

After a lot of research, going back and forth, and honestly some tears, I decided to apply with an organization that focuses on service dogs for people with POTS.

A service dog can greatly benefit me, alerting me before my pulse jumps, before a syncope episode, providing comfort during an anxiety attack, helping me with stability, and so much more.

The downfall of course, is the cost.

Due to the extensive training required for the particular service dog I need, it will cost a lot of money to say the least. I need to fundraise to be able to afford the cost.

If you know me, you know I despise asking for help. I always tell others to ask for help, but for some reason it stresses me out and I always feel like a burden.

But this time, I don't have a choice. I need help raising money to be able to get my service dog!

I have been approved through the organization, and after making a deposit, I will officially be on the wait list for a puppy. Once the puppy is born, they will stay at the facility for 6 months to train with some amazing professionals before coming home.

I am excited, overwhelmed, nervous, and about every other emotion you can think of.

The organization I am going through is Hope Service Dogs, Inc.

Asking for money is very hard for me, but I do greatly appreciate anyone who decides to give to help me!

I welcome you all on my journey to getting my new best friend and caregiver.

-Alaina