We are Catie’s family, and we want to share her story. Catie is one of the bravest people we know, living with unpredictable tonic-clonic apneic seizures. Each episode causes her to collapse without warning, lose consciousness, and stop breathing. Watching her go through this is terrifying, but Catie refuses to let epilepsy define her.

She’s achieved so much. She became Stamford’s first female Eagle Scout, is working toward a third-degree black belt, and is studying to be a vet assistant. She even went away to college to study resort management and become a ski and snowboard instructor, because the mountain is where she feels most free. Unfortunately, her seizures became uncontrollable, and she had to come home. Despite these challenges, Catie continues to inspire us every day with her determination and courage.

An epilepsy service dog is not a luxury for Catie. A trained dog can sense a seizure before it happens, get help when she can’t, and protect her when she’s most vulnerable. This support would give her the safety and independence she deserves, and help her pursue her dreams without fear. We hope you’ll support Catie’s journey toward independence and safety. Your generosity will help give her the protection and freedom she deserves.