Having Mast Cell Activation Syndrome is complex and comes along with severe asthma, chronic idiopathic anaphylaxis, postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome and much more.

In August I was hospitalized for almost two weeks due to anaphylaxis and asthma. A lot of times they come on quickly without any warning. I am interested in a service dog to help me get through an Asthma attack. The service dog would be able to alert me to an oncoming attack with the change of my vitals. Sometimes I will freeze during an attack and forget to take my medication. The dog will be able to retrieve my medications and nudge or paw me reminding me to take my emergency medication. If my oxygen drops too low, they would be able to go seek help.

With my Asthma so severe my mom is constantly up at night watching me making sure I am breathing. A service dog would be able to alert my mom if I am about to have an attack, taking the stress off of both me and her.

One of my biggest triggers is environmental factors such as dust, smoke, pollen, perfume, and strong scents. I will start coughing, my oxygen will drop and things will turn for the worse. I don't go out alone without a family member or friend. They are my nose and will smell out my triggers and allow me to change direction or devise an alternate route to keep me safe. Having a service dog will allow me to do my main activities without relying on another person to accompany me.

I got a call from SIT Service Dogs saying I am accepted into their program! The dog will cost around $22,500k to raise and train the dog. To start training a dog, they require a $5,500 downpayment.

Here is a link that gives more information on their program if anybody is interested: https://www.sitservicedogs.com/sit-service-dogs

I'm really excited to be able to work with SIT Service Dogs. They're in Southern Illinois and place dogs nationally. SIT Service Dogs works with college students from Southern Illinois University who help puppies raise the puppies. SIT generally raises and trains smaller labs but I won't know my match until later in the year.

Thank you to anyone who has been following my journey. I'm very grateful for anyone who donates, even the smallest donations will help kick-start my freedom.