My name is Cordell, and this is my mom, Cynthia. She is a breast cancer survivor and suffers from epileptic seizures uncontrolled by medication since a traumatic frontal lobe injury back in 2019. Her life has been plagued with severe medical issues, and her beloved service animal, Cabo, is not only her dearest friend but her lifeline. They met by fate after my mom started volunteering at our local animal shelter.

In middle school, I was the first to notice Cabo's ability to alert my mom before she'd experience a seizure. Later, an acquaintance kindly offered more training to get him his Good Citizenship Award and he became a service dog. He now alerts her roughly ten minutes before a seizure so that she does not fall down or burn herself while in the kitchen, as well as helps her remain grounded in public. As Cabo ages, my mom's desperate need for his services continues.

As I'm just starting my life and paying off student debt, I am deeply worried that Cabo will pass away, leaving my mom without his aid. Many are unaware, but the cost for a true service animal is extensive. We were previously quoted at $40,000-$60,000 for a service animal to give at least a 5-minute seizure warning. Neither my mom nor I are within reach of the total cost to provide her with the help of another service animal that can perform timely seizure alerts the way that Cabo can. Although Cabo can never be replaced, we sadly have to prepare for his passing. Service animal costs are high, and their waitlists are long. Please help me in supporting my cause for raising awareness for service animal costs and to protect my mom's health and safety.