FND,POTS & Autism - This Dog Will Change Everything

A Service Dog to Help Me Stand, Breathe & Live

Living with FND, ASD & POTS — and Fighting for My Independence

Two years ago, at the age of 17 years old just when I thought my life had just begun, I was diagnosed with Functional Neurological Disorder (FND) — a condition where the brain stops communicating properly with the body. It started with daily fainting spells, and what began as headaches turned into agonising migraines that would shake my entire body in pain.

I saw doctor after doctor, only to be told "it's all in your head", "just anxiety", or "there's nothing wrong with you." I started to lose hope. My body was shutting down, and I was overwhelmed and exhausted beyond words. Then one afternoon, everything changed — my body started shaking violently. I lost control. I had a full-body seizure. My eyes locked shut. I couldn’t speak, move, or cry for help.

That was the moment I knew — this wasn’t just anxiety. It was real.

Eventually, after many specialists and appointments, I was finally diagnosed with FND. But that was only the beginning. I started intense therapy to retrain my brain and reconnect it with my body. Just as I began adjusting, I started noticing other struggles — sensory overloads, meltdowns, fear of leaving the house, and rigid routines. After more medical consultations, I received another diagnosis: Autism Spectrum Disorder (Level 2). Another blow. Another mountain to climb.

At first, I felt like I had to "fix" myself. But I’ve come to understand that autism isn’t something to be cured — it’s a part of me. While it brings challenges, it also helped me see the world differently. Still, navigating both ASD and FND together became overwhelming. The smallest amount of stress would send me into seizures. I’d end up in the hospital, confused, scared, and completely out of control. One time, I was told I had experienced seven seizures in a row, and I had no memory of it. I remember my mum holding my hand in the hospital, whispering, “Just breathe.” But how could I continue living like this?

Then came yet another diagnosis: POTS (Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome) — a condition where my heart rate skyrockets when I stand, often causing me to faint. Now, I couldn’t even get out of bed safely on my own. I felt like everything in my body was working against me. I was frequently hospitalised, to this day, I am still in hospital, unsure of when I will be going home. My independence disappeared,. And I was told once again by doctors to “just work harder,” despite everything I’d already fought through. This has had a massive impact on my family. Mum has had to become my full-time carer while Dad works away, trying to look after the medical expenses.

My Daily Reality

I now live with:

Chronic pain and fatigue

Fainting and dizziness

Non-epileptic seizures

Temporary paralysis

Sensory overloads

Nausea and vomiting

Severe anxiety and shutdowns

I’ve lost my ability to work. I’ve lost so much of my independence. But I haven’t lost hope.

Why I Need a Service Dog

A professionally trained service dog wouldn’t just be a companion — they would be a lifeline. I was introduced to Moose, who is a professionally trained assistance dog, and I absolutely fell in love with him.

Moose could:

Alert me before seizures or fainting episodes

Help me safely get to the ground or a safe space

Provide pressure therapy during meltdowns or sensory overloads

Assist with balance and mobility

Retrieve items and help with day-to-day tasks

Provide comfort, grounding, and reassurance in ways no human can

Alert my family when I am in distress and need of help

With a Moose by my side, I could reclaim parts of my life that I’ve lost — and maybe even feel safe enough to go outside on my own again.

The Cost

Service dogs are highly trained medical tools, and the costs reflect that. Between training, vet care, gear, and support, the total can range between $25,000 – $60,000.

I’m asking for help because I can’t do this alone. Every donation, even $5 or $10 will go directly toward:

Having the funds to bring Moose home

Professional training and certification

Equipment and medical care

Food, travel, and ongoing support

How You Can Help

Donate whatever you can — every little bit helps

Share this campaign with others — spreading the word makes a huge impact

Encourage — kind words lift me up more than you know

Moose could help me stand when I fall, breathe when I panic, and live when my body tells me I can’t.

From the bottom of my heart, thank you for reading, sharing, and supporting me.

With love and gratitude,

Marissa De Santis