Alicia's Service Dog

As you may know, after 20+ years of medical mysteries, Alicia was finally diagnosed with Ehlers Danlos Syndrome (EDS) about 5 years ago.  She continues to show such courage and grace in the face of daily indignities, but this dreadful disease is taking its toll.  Her wheelchair has been a big help to get around town, but many days it is a struggle simply to get out of bed.  Regular day-to-day activities that many of us take for granted are a struggle for Lish:  showering (without falling), eating and keeping food down, getting the bills paid, laundry, etc. - all require naps in between, or maybe even snapping back in the joints that pop out of place.

She recently received the fantastic news that she's been approved for a service dog!  This is an amazing opportunity.  Alicia's dog will be specifically trained to meet her needs:  sensing if her heart rhythm is off and she needs to be awakened (and waking Jim if she doesn't wake, or if Jim isn't there, opening the front door and bark until help comes); picking up things that fall or drop; guiding her to a chair to rest; bracing a potential fall; and even fetching a drink from the fridge (really!)  (Sadly, this does not include using a corkscrew.)

The catch is that a service dog costs about $5,000.  As Alicia and Jim contemplate other pricey changes that will soon be needed to the house, car, etc., a few of us thought that this would be a great opportunity to help.  

We are all grateful for the love and support you've shown over the years; anything you can contribute towards this goal will be very much appreciated.

Alicia is so excited to meet her new furry friend!