My name is Tristyn. I am 27 years old

I was born with Spinal Muscular Atrophy Type 2, a genetic condition that causes extreme muscle weakness. I am not paralyzed, but I cannot move my body on my own. My mind is fully aware, but my body does not respond the way it should.

When my blood sugar drops, I can feel it happening—but I can’t get up, I can’t open doors, and I can’t always reach someone for help. If something goes wrong, I’m forced to wait and hope that someone notices before it becomes an emergency.

There is also a fear that never leaves me:

What if there’s a fire?

What if there’s smoke, danger, or an emergency and I can’t move my body to escape or even warn someone else?

That’s where Titan comes in.

Titan is my 1½-year-old pit bull, and he is always watching me. He stays close when I don’t feel right. He notices changes before anyone else does. He already acts like my protector in every way he can.

With professional service dog training, Titan could be trained to:

    •    Alert me when my blood sugar is low

    •    Alert me if there is a fire or emergency

    •    Go get help from another room when I cannot

    •    Open doors, so help can reach me when I can’t reach it myself

• Alert me when my anxiety is high

• Turn lights on/off

• Retrieve important items

Having Titan trained would mean safety I don’t currently have. It would mean peace of mind for me and for the people who love me. It would mean fewer moments of fear and more moments where I can live without constantly wondering if help will come in time.

Professional service dog training costs approximately $8,000, covering evaluations, specialized task training, public access training, equipment, and continued support. None of this is covered by insurance.

If you are able to donate, thank you from the bottom of my heart. If you cannot, sharing this fundraiser means just as much. Every act of support brings Titan and me closer to safety, independence, and peace.

Thank you for listening to my story.