Austin's Quest for a Life-Changing Service Dog

Hi! My name is Austin Santiago and I went 23 years of my life undiagnosed with epilepsy. Two years ago, I was finally diagnosed with epilepsy and since then, I've gone through test after test to narrow and treat my epilepsy. I suffer specifically from absent seizures, grand mal seizures, and silent seizures in my sleep, most of which I am unaware of as they come. My seizures leave me in a daze long after they've come, and put me in a vulnerable position of unawareness and confusion. With trusted people around me, I can always lean on them during and after an episode, but when alone, I am left to the will of whatever happens.

This is why I am interested in owning my very own service dog! A companion and aid who can alert me before a seizure to get into a safe spot and keep me safe during. This reassurance would be life-changing. Recently, my seizures have grown in severity and frequency with multiple seizures occurring within a week. Due to the increased severity, I was prescribed a new combination of medication to try and treat my condition. With the new medication, also came the removal of my driver's license and subsequently, my job. These recent changes have been quite honestly a huge game changer in managing my day to day living. Without a license or consistent income, any "extra commodities", such as a service dog, are completely out of reach.

So I am asking for your help! Every little bit helps towards my goal of having a service animal to support me through my journey. I appreciate everyone who can help or spread the word about me and my goal!

Thank you all so much for listening to my story,

- Austin