Help Shantel Secure a Lifesaving Service Dog

Help Me Get a Lifesaving Medical Alert and Service Dog

Hi, my name is Shantel, and I’m reaching out to ask for your support in raising funds for a fully trained, medical alert and mobility service dog. This is not easy for me to share, but after exhausting other options, it’s clear that a service dog is no longer a luxury—it’s a medical necessity for my survival, safety, and quality of life.

My Health Journey

I have been diagnosed with Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, an autoimmune disease that affects energy, focus, and hormone regulation. Unfortunately, due to delayed diagnosis and treatment, it progressed and triggered a cascade of other serious, life-altering conditions.

Currently, I’m also battling:

• Monoclonal Mast Cell Activation Syndrome (MMCAS): A rare condition that causes unpredictable and sometimes life-threatening allergic reactions to food, stress, or even environmental triggers.

• End-stage Adrenal Insufficiency, progressing to Addison’s Disease: This rare autoimmune condition prevents my adrenal glands from producing essential hormones like cortisol and aldosterone. It causes severe fatigue, dangerously low blood pressure, dizziness, and the risk of adrenal crises—even minor stress or illness can become life-threatening.

• Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS): A genetic connective tissue disorder that causes joint instability, chronic pain, frequent dislocations, gastrointestinal issues, and cardiovascular complications.

• Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS): A form of dysautonomia that causes my heart rate to spike dangerously when I stand, leading to dizziness, fainting, brain fog, and exhaustion.

• Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome (PFPS) & Chondromalacia: Both knees are permanently damaged, causing chronic pain and mobility issues.

• Severe Spinal Injuries & Degenerative Disc Disease: I have multiple slipped discs in my back and neck, plus a serious injury to my SI joint (lower back) caused by a past physical assault, which has led to progressive disc degeneration.

• Ongoing Cardiac Concerns: Recent heart monitoring revealed concerning irregularities—more testing is underway to identify additional conditions.

As overwhelming as that list sounds, I try to face each day with humor and grit. (Let’s be honest—if life is going to keep piling it on, I might as well throw in a smart-aleck comment or two to stay sane.)

Im doing everything asked of me from my healthcare team.. even though that task grows weekly. I soon will be on infusion therapy treatment for my heart, and am praying for a change in the near future in the way I feel due to that step.

Why I Need a Service Dog Now

My physicians and specialists agree that I urgently need a medical alert and mobility service dog to help monitor my health and improve my daily safety. This dog would be trained to:

• Alert to sudden changes in heart rate, blood pressure, and cortisol levels

• Detect early signs of anaphylaxis or mast cell reactions

• Provide bracing and mobility support for joint instability and fatigue

• Retrieve items and assist during episodes of fainting, dislocation, or adrenal crisis including emergency life saving medications.

• Offer comfort and grounding during overwhelming or disorienting flares

• Provide independence, and give me a portion of my dignity back due to the over baring amount of care given to me by my loved ones and health care providers daily.

The incredible news is—I’ve already found the perfect dog, one who is fully trained for the exact medical conditions I live with. The cost, including training, travel, fees, and taxes, is $38,000.

Unfortunately, insurance doesn’t cover medical service animals. That’s why I’m asking for your help.

How You Can Help

Every dollar you contribute will go directly toward securing this life-saving service dog. Your support gives me more than just safety—it gives me the ability to keep living, working, and showing up for the people I love without fear of the next medical emergency.

If you aren’t in a position to donate, please consider sharing this fundraiser. Every bit of awareness helps me get closer to safety, stability, and healing.

With deep gratitude,

Shantel