Service Dog for Karys

Service Dog for Karys

For those who know Karys, they see more than her seizures. They see a sweet, fun little girl, with an infectious smile. The seizures always try and steal away that smile, and lately, more often.

While eating dinner, Karys had her first grand mal seizure. She was only 14 months old. Karys was rushed to the hospital where she continued to seize for 20 minutes. Karys and her mother were transferred to another hospital where Karys had a CT scan, lumbar puncture and medications. Karys spent two weeks in the hospital, and had a seizure every 4 minutes for a week. The family was terrified.

Karys has a rare form of epilepsy called PCDH19 Female Limited Epilepsy. This type of epilepsy cannot be regulated by medications, or surgery. Karys was on a ketogenic diet for 3 years and this controlled her seizures for awhile, but over time, the diet became ineffective, and the seizures came back. Karys has had up to 60 seizures in one day.

When a seizure happens it affects everyone in the family. Their eldest son worries and becomes stoic. Their youngest daughter becomes more emotional and needier than usual. Karys herself suffers from anxiety, often too worried to go out and enjoy life. The family is exhausted. There is no warning of when Karys will have a seizure. They could happen at any moment.

Karys’ lifeline will be a service dog. Karys was approved for a service dog and this is giving hope to the family.

A service dog will able to:

Alert when a seizure is happening or has happened
Can retrieve emergency medications
Provide stimulation after a seizure
Provide comfort during and after a seizure
Help with walking when unsteady
Be taught to press a 911 button
Bring blankets or pillows
Help with lessening a fall
Stop her from wandering off

What does this mean to Karys:

She will have a few more freedoms
She will gain confidence
Will help with anxiety around the seizures
Will comfort her during blood draws and when IV insertion is needed
Can be with her during hospital stays
Can help her relax when there are large grounds around
Can support her when she is feeling frustrated or unsure
Will be her constant companion for all of life’s daily activities that are more difficult for her.

The cost of the Service dog is roughly $15,000 including travel costs.

I love this family and want to do whatever I can to help Karys, and her whole family. I started this campaign to help raise the funds for a very much needed service dog for a well-deserving child. Please help and consider donating. Thank you very much,

Tina