Hi, my name is Rachelle, and I am the proud mom of a bright, loving, autistic daughter who works hard every single day to navigate a world that often feels overwhelming to her. I am starting this fundraiser to help our family cover the cost of a specially trained service dog that will give her safety, comfort, and independence. My daughter struggles with sensory overload, anxiety, and sudden meltdowns that can make errands, household chores, outdoor activities, and everyday activities extremely difficult. Crowded places, loud noises, and unexpected changes can send her into fight-or-flight mode, and despite all our strategies as a family, there are still many moments when she feels scared and alone.

Recently, we were scammed while trying to get her a service dog, which has broken both her heart and mine, and cost us a lot of time and money. What should have been an exciting time to get a puppy to start training and to be a companion has turned into a nightmare. Despite this setback, I am determined to keep trying for her, because I know how much a service dog could help her.

A service dog would be trained to recognize her signs of distress, interrupt self-harming or unsafe behaviors, provide deep-pressure comfort, and help guide her out of overwhelming situations. This kind of support could mean fewer meltdowns, safer outings, and a real chance for her to experience more of the world with confidence and joy. I believe that having a service dog by her side will make a world of difference in her daily life and future.

Every dollar, no matter the size, brings us one step closer to giving my daughter the support partner she needs. If you are unable to donate, sharing this fundraiser with your friends, family, workplace, or community groups would help us more than you know. From the bottom of my heart, thank you for taking the time to read our story, for caring about my daughter’s future, and for helping us give her a service dog who can stand by her side through the hardest moments and the happiest ones.