Help Kayla get a Service Dog

Getting diagnosed with multiple sclerosis was the scariest moment of my life. I still remember how naive I was thinking I'd get IV steroids and leave the hospital "normal" again, but normal never came. I had to find a new normal. I use a cane or wheelchair daily, I have medications that help manage my MS and the symptoms, and with the help of physical therapy I learned new ways to do things that multiple sclerosis makes difficult.

When I was first diagnosed, we had family that stayed with us while we adjusted to life with me having MS, but eventually family had to go back home. It was time for us to manage this on our own without the daily help of family. With family gone, the kids at school, and my husband back at work I was home alone a lot. I love getting out on my own but somedays it is difficult because of how unpredictable MS can be. So, we have been considering a service dog to help with my quality of life.

They have service dog training programs all over the United States, but Hawaii is a rabies free state (which is awesome), and it makes things a little more complicated, as well as more expensive, to get a dog into the state. Thankfully I found one training program within the state of Hawaii, but it is not located on the island we live. Adam and I will travel to that island and complete the in-person training at their facility while a family member stays with the kids.

As most of you all know Adam (my amazing husband), is in the military and sometimes he travels for work. He can be gone for days, weeks, or months and while we would love for family and friends to visit, I miss that independent woman I use to be. A service dog can help people with disabilities in many ways, below are a few ways a service dog would help me.

- When I am in my wheelchair, and I drop something picking it up is not easy and I don't want to risk falling so if I'm by myself the service dog can help me pick it up.

- The dark triggers severe vertigo, when my husband is gone the service dog can turn off and on the lights.

- A lot of places are still not wheelchair friendly; the service dog can help push buttons, or open doors if needed.

- When I am home alone and having a bad fatigue day the service dog can help grab items for me.

- If I fall the service dog can alert someone to assist me.

If you've made it this far, the reason I created this GoFundMe is to help cover some of the expenses for me to get a service dog. Every donation big or small will help. If you cannot donate and want to help in other ways feel free to share this fundraiser. I appreciate all the help and if you would like to follow along with the rest of my journey you can follow me on TikTok or Instagram, @kayla_unstable.