Help Marriah receive a service dog

Hello, my name is Marriah.  In August of 2019, the course of my life was dramatically altered.  While attending a meeting for a volunteer organization that I support, an old military guidon fell and violently struck me in the head.  I was diagnosed with a severe traumatic brain injury (TBI).  The damage impacted my left temporal lobe and my occipital lobe, I was also told that I had encephalomalacia (brain softening). 

I have dedicated hundreds of hours & thousands of dollars towards doctor visits, physical therapy, and other outlets, to regain some sense of normalcy back into my life – without much success.  Prior to my injury I was a dedicated Army wife and mother.  I volunteered as a soccer coach on post, worked with the troop leaders in Scouts, & was a Red Cross CPR volunteer instructor.  I spent a lot of time traveling with my family and was blessed to be able to visit other countries while my family was stationed abroad.  My TBI has changed all of that.  I now suffer from paralyzing migraines.  It comes on like a wave and the pain brings me to tears.  I am unable to drive and struggle with spatial orientation.  I have lost most of the independence in my life. 

I am creating this Go Fund Me in hopes of raising money towards the purchase of a Service Animal.  Having the assistance of a specifically trained service dog, I will be able to navigate the world a little easier. When I am in a busy environment, I get sensory overload. I have already been taken to the ER for this as I became unresponsive. After many tests, it was concluded that my brain was overloaded and shut down.  On more than one occasion, my eldest daughter has had to physically help me leave a place.  A service animal would be able to sense this and guide me through a crowded area provide  to a safe spot to let my brain rest.  I have visual issues on my left side due to my injury, I always try and find something to help guide me when walking in certain environments as it is harder for me to determine the surface of the ground I am walking on. A service animal would be able to help guide me, so I do not fall and hurt myself. Lastly the service animal would provide support when my brain and body just need a break from the mental fatigue of navigating life with my new self.  A service animal would also alert me to a migraine, so I could take my mediation in time, so it does not become debilitating.

Thank you for taking the time to read this message & thank you for considering donating and sharing this page.