Hi, my name is Kathryn, I am 23 and I am raising money for a service dog from Ruff Hearts. All money raised will go toward payment of the dog and toward supplies for when the dog is finally done training.

I was in a car accident in November 2018, it was a rainy day on the highway when the person in front of me abruptly stopped due to a construction barrel rolling into the road. I stopped behind them, but the truck behind me did not and hit me at full speed. The accident left me with a concussion that lasted over a month, and as time went on without pain from the accident subsiding I was eventually diagnosed with fibromyalgia. My fibromyalgia leaves me in pain 24/7 and I need help with everyday tasks such as going out shopping, as I am unable to pick up items I drop and am quickly fatigued. My pain often requires I take breaks to sit while I am out, and at these times I am often too weak to get back up without assistance. My whole life has gone from one of activity and independence to now having to live with friends to assist me with even minor physical activity, such as standing from sitting, or lying down. I lost everything from that accident, I had to drop out of school due to the ambulance being called weekly on me, it was my dream college and I was so close to graduating. I also lost my job, my apartment, the ability to do all of the activities I loved doing, and lost a part of me that made me feel like myself. I am slowly working on accepting my condition and getting the bits left of my life together that I can.

This is why I am getting a mobility service dog, it will help me do the tasks I am physically unable to do and give me back some of the independence and safety I had before the accident. This dog will be trained in many medical tasks in order to help me each day. At 4,500 dollars I will be able to pick out a puppy, of which I will be posting pictures as it continues to grow and learn.

Thank you so much to anyone who helps and donates, I will make updates as this process goes on.