Hope for Hannah's fund raising for a Medical Service Dog

Hi, my name is Diane. I am the grandmother of a precious, sweet, loving four-year old grandchild, Hannah. Hannah is in need of a Medical Service Dog. She has a vasovagal response disorder that results in unexpected gagging and vomiting and can also lead to fainting.

This is a physiological response that causes difficulty in everyday life and can be life threatening as this occurs in her sleep. It can cause Hannah to aspirate unknowingly, breathing in stomach contents.

Hannah has been continuously monitored since she was 18 months of age. She continues to be seen regularly to try and manage her disability. We use a number of therapies advised by her medical team to try and help her such as Therapeutic Listening, a program to help regulate her sensory responses and weighted blankets. They have helped some, but the use of a service dog will drastically increase the quality of her life.

Her medical team feels a service dog will provide Hannah with the additional help she needs. Through training, the service dog will learn to sense my granddaughter is going to have a vasovagal response. The dog will be trained in performing medical alerts to an oncoming attack and intervention before one occurs. Additionally, the dog will be able to conduct deep pressure therapy to shorten or prevent the attack. Hannah will be able to go through life without continuing to suffer.

We feel hopeful for Hannah. Hannah has been accepted by an Assistance Dogs International Accredited Training Program who will match her with a Service Dog. The process takes a longtime for the dog to be trained to Hannah and her needs and is expensive. But it is more than worth it. Although this is a medical disability her insurance provider will not help with payments. So, I am here, asking for your support.

Through intense training, this dog will help Hannah live a healthier and more independent life, while at the same time creating a strong bond between her and her Service Dog. They will become best friends.

With Heartfelt Gratitude,

Diane