Imagine being in the ER so often that the nurses know your name. For years, I battled debilitating migraines—until a CT scan and MRI revealed a rare neurological disorder, Chiari Malformation Type 1. Two brain surgeries later, I could function again. Fast forward 7 years. My body couldn't take the pressures of military service anymore. It started to shut down on me. So, I was med-boarded out of the military.

I started to finally focus more on my health and take care of me. Fast forward a few more years. I found myself in an abusive relationship—emotionally, mentally, and physically. That abuse made my symptoms worse as well as nearly ended my life. But I chose to fight and entered a mental health program.

Today, I’m healing—but still struggling. My disorder affects my daily life in ways I can't control: constant migraines since 2019, vision issues, numbness, speech difficulties, nausea, and more. On bad days, I can’t walk, cook, or even bathe on my own.

I need a service dog—specifically, an Italian Daniff named Hera. She’ll be trained to help me stay independent and navigate the worst days with safety and dignity. A few things Hera will be trained to help me with will be stability while walking, help from sitting to standing, retrieving items including medications, help with lights and doors.

Your support will change my life. Anything helps—thank you for reading and for believing in my journey.