Donate to Train Chase: Emma's Diabetic Alert Dog

Earlier this year, our daughter Emma was diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes. It's a day that would change all of our lives forever, especially hers. We were fortunate enough to catch her diagnosis early, but this also came at a cost. She was suddenly forced to try and understand her new normal. Days now consisted of 6 shots a day, several finger pokes, having to wear a CGM to monitor her blood sugar levels, and counting carbs for each meal and snack. Emma has been resilient and positive throughout this entire process, even though we know how difficult this must be for a 3-year-old to understand why she can no longer eat the foods or treats she was used to. This disease has stolen Emma's freedom to be worry-free about her physical activities and the food she eats. Instead, her body is attacking itself, and she must worry that too much activity can cause her to go low and the foods she eats can cause her to go high.

Over the past several months, Emma has had a couple of seizures and even passed out due to low blood sugar levels, which she is unable to feel. Her blood sugars fluctuate throughout the day, experiencing some high blood sugar levels and many lows, although we try to keep them as steady as possible. These highs and lows do take a toll on her tiny little body.

We monitor Emma's blood sugar levels using a CGM (which gives us an estimated reading of her levels) as well as daily finger pokes (which give us a current reading). Unfortunately, technology has its limitations and is only good when it works. Since Emma does not feel her highs or lows, it's extremely dangerous. Sudden changes and drops in her blood sugar levels have a huge effect on her, and the CGM doesn't always alert in time.

Due to this, we have done extensive research for additional tools to help alert us. This is where a service dog comes in, and we are looking to get a Diabetic Alert Dog (DAD). A service dog for her is $30,000 to $40,000 and has a 2-year waiting period while the dog is trained. Although many service dog programs have a 5+ year wait list, and the majority won't accept an application unless the child is 12 years or older.

Instead, we have purchased our own dog, Chase (Emma named him from Paw Patrol for Chase is on the case of her Diabetes), and will hire a highly specialized DAD trainer. The dog will be trained to alert us throughout the day and in the evenings will wake Emma (and myself) up when her blood sugar is going high or low. A service dog can also alert to blood sugar low/high 10-30 minutes before a CGM (as well as seizure activity). This training will total $24,000, which is a lot more than we can afford.

If you know me, then you know that I don't normally ask for help and have struggled with the idea of even creating a GoFundMe, but a great friend reminded me that asking for help is part of life. Any donation will help and is greatly appreciated.