Help Adelyn get a seizure response dog

As many of you know, our daughter Adelyn was diagnosed with epilepsy seven years ago.  She and her amazing neurological team have tried multiple medications, a very strict Keto diet, and have done a 5-day video-monitored EEG to try to alleviate this situation for her.  While these efforts have reduced the number of seizures she was having, she does still have them from time to time, which makes working and being alone a challenge for her.  Anyone who knows her knows she is a fighter and doesn't let epilepsy define her.  She continues to work, attend college classes and church services and other activities, though sometimes with anxiety over when another seizure will happen and if she'll be safe.

After her most recent seizure at work, she contacted her neurologist from Duke to inquire about service dogs.  He agreed that it would be a great fit for her because of her independence and desire to continue doing all of the aforementioned things.  Adelyn began putting in the work and found a company called SIT Service Dogs out of Illinois.  The company is among the least expensive companies she has found and claim the reason to be that they are a small family-owned company who utilize a lot of volunteers.  I have included a link below for those of you who may be interested in the services they provide.

Adelyn completed their application and interview process and they have decided that she would be an excellent fit for one of their dogs.  As you can imagine, training a dog like this takes a substantial amount of time. The dog Adelyn would receive is still a puppy and just beginning training, which means it will be a year or so before she actually receives her assigned dog. This is standard for all of the places we have researched. We have also checked with others who have received dogs from SIT, found reviews online and Adelyn has requested videos of the dogs in action. We are increasingly confident in her choice of agency.

Unfortunately, insurance does not cover service animals for people like Adelyn.  Adelyn and Jeremy are prepared to contribute a substantial amount of money, which is impressive given their age, recent marriage and college student status.  They are also prepared to provide for the dog's monthly and annual needs, as well as any emergencies that may come up.  Matt and I will also be contributing to the cost of the dog.  When speaking with numerous friends and family members about how to cover the rest of the cost, they all suggested we consider a GoFundMe page, which is way out of our comfort zone.  

If any of you are able or willing to contribute anything to help Adelyn receive a response dog through this agency, we would be forever grateful.  


http://www.sitservicedogs.com/