Help Emily get her Service Dog

On Mother's Day in 2022, at 28 years old, I suffered a stroke while at work waitressing. What we knew then, was my left side was affected - with lack of mobility, balance, sensation -and it would take months of hard work and ongoing therapy to get back some form of my normal life. After two weeks in the hospital and a month at inpatient rehabilitation, I was sent home to continue working in outpatient rehabilitation and to start getting back to my regular life or as close to as possible. That remains my prayer, wish, and goal.

Since getting home, I have been having debilitating panic attacks. This is being caused by the probability of having another major stroke and my fears of what would happen to me and what additional disabilities it would cause.

My Occupational Therapists, Physical Therapists, Mental Health Counselor, and other attending Physicians recommended that I get a Service Dog. The Service Dog will be trained for various medical alerts, as well as in support and assistance in activities of daily life. The Service Dog will also be trained to support me in my mobility and balance issues. The Service Dog will allow me to fully participate in my life. Because of the impact to my mobility/balance and panic disorder I have not been able to live my normal. The Service Dog will be with me 24 hours a day enabling me to live a better life.

A Service Dog will also allow me to return to work at my job at Disney - providing me the assistance and support I need to manage the crowded spaces and slippery surfaces. In my full time job as an elementary school teacher, the Service Dog will allow me to walk in the hallways and stairwells in school without fear of being bumped and knocked over by students or falling.

My Service Dog will come from Paws For Life USA. This is a 501C3 Non-Profit, Georgia Corporation. Their program will not only provide me with a Service Dog, all the training and needed supplies, but will also be with me for additional training and assistance, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, for the working life of the Service Dog.

Thank you so much for taking the time to read my story.