Hello everyone! My name is Katina.

On July 4, I was bit by a Mojave green rattlesnake. I was put on life support, unable to breathe on my own for 2 1/2 days. I received three anti-venoms and spent six more days in ICU at Providence St. Mary’s Hospital in Apple Valley, CA. I live because of the fantastic doctors and nurses who cared for me. Everything about life as I knew it has been completely uprooted and turned upside down. My spirits remain hopeful my life will be completely restored, but there is a long road ahead of me. I still have neuropathy all the way up to my hip, making it difficult for me to carry my body usually by the end of the day. As I recover from the effects of the venom and the anti-venom, I become wicked tired and the leg swells. Despite the frustrating challenges, my journey to health consists of regular follow-up visits with my doctor, physical therapy, exercise, nutrition, and overall keeping my spirits up. I'm supposed to be seen by pain management, but I refuse to go down that direction. I would rather feel the pain of healing than cop some addiction to meds. I am super happy and excited that my doctor has ordered a service dog for me! I have the perfect dog! His name is Big Boy. He will be trained as a medical support and will perform specific functions in service specific to the doctor and physical therapist's instructions, which will aid in the process of gaining full functionality of my life and limb. He will stabilize proper balance and be trained to alert me of any potential dangers that could interrupt my chances of full recovery and mobility. Big Boy is two years old. I’ve had him since he was born. He’s currently up on the property in Apple Valley, two hours from me, and being cared for by neighbors who come up to my property and feed him and the rest of the dogs I have up there, which I’m trying to rehome. It hasn’t been easy, but I am grateful to be alive. I found a place to board and train him specifically for medical needs as I heal, but it’s going to cost $3800. Although my basic needs are met, financially I’m struggling day by day. It’s not easy for me to ask for help, but I’m humbly asking for yours. Would you please help me raise the money to get Big Boy into this facility and have him trained to ensure my recovery is successful? I would be so grateful to each of you! Big Boy will be transferred to the facility as soon as the money is raised to help pay for his training. If you're unable to monetarily help, would you please lift us up in prayer and send good vibes our way that God will provide as each need arises? Thanks y'all for your time and consideration. May you be blessed immeasurably, pressed down to overflowing.

With much love,

Katina