Help Katie raise funds for a Diabetic Service Dog
Donation protected
Hello, my name is Katie, and I'm fundraising for a Diabetic Alert Dog (DAD) to help me manage my Type 1 Diabetes.
Follow along with weekly photo updates of her training.
If you don't know what Type 1 Diabetes is or how it differs from Type 2, this may help:
The advancements in technology to help manage a T1D's life have come a long way since my dad was diagnosed as a child. I am lucky enough to have a Continuous Glucose Monitor and an insulin pump to help manage my sugar.
However, Type 1 Diabetes is a 24/7 battle. It is on my mind constantly, and a DAD would help alleviate some of that burden not only for me, but for my family and close friends who so diligently care for me. As my close friends and family know, I've wanted a Diabetic Alert Dog since the day I was diagnosed.
Diabetic Alert Dogs are trained to...
- Alert diabetic owners in advance of low (hypoglycemia) or high (hyperglycemia) blood sugar events before they become dangerous
- Sniff out a rapidly rising or falling blood sugar (up to 20 minutes before a glucose monitor)
- Alert their owners at night while they're sleeping and may not wake up to symptoms or alarms
- Bring their owners sugar or insulin to treat the low or high
- Alert someone nearby if their owner is unconscious or unresponsive
- Provide emotional support and peace of mind
I am currently matched with a service dog, Pauline, through Diabetic Alert Dogs of America, where the dogs are trained by professionals for upwards of a year (hence the steep price) in both obedience and scent detection. The dogs are trained to become ADA-certified service animals that can accompany you anywhere. Your support goes directly to this organization to cover the cost of 24/7 training of my future Diabetic Alert Dog.
Thank you in advance for your generosity and support!
FYI: Instead of donating via GoFundMe, checks can also be made directly to Diabetic Alert Dogs of America and mailed to the following address. Please be sure to put "Katie Swade" on the memo line.
The Billing Department
Diabetic Alert Dogs of America
5625 S Rainbow Blvd. Suite H
Las Vegas, NV 89118
Organizer
Katie Swade
Organizer
Chicago, IL