McKenna's Service Dog
Donation protected
My name is Mckenna, I am 10 years and I have epilepsy. I had my first seizure on Mother's Day at just eleven months old and then again on Father's Day. Since then I have had thousands of seizures and been through countless medical treatments. Not to mention the long list of medications that has made life very interesting for me.
I live with the challenge of my condition each day and because of the unpredictable nature and frequency of my seizures, I cannot be left alone. Without warning, my life can be in danger. My parents have been my protectors for all of my life and they've done everything to keep me safe. My older brother and sister have been tremendously helpful even at the expense of their own wants and needs. As I get older and more independent, I just want to do some of the things that normal kids my age do. It's really hard not being able to jump on my bike and ride down the block or even spend time in my own room without someone to watch me.
Realizing that I will be entering middle school next year, my parents started exploring the possibility of a service dog. A service dog will give me the freedom and security to help overcome some of my limitations. In addition to giving my family peace of mind, a service dog can even save my life. These dogs are uniquely sensitive to my seizures and are specially trained to alert people around me of a possible seizure so I can get to a safe place.
Working with the Chelsea Foundation my mother started looking for a service dog that might fit my needs. They helped us discover an organization by the name of Domesti-Pups, which trains and places service dogs with families just like mine.
The process for training and placing the dog is expensive and time consuming. It normally takes 2 years to find and train a dog. As timing and luck would have it there happens to be a dog available this May. Just in time for me as I go to middle school. It may take another 2 years before I get this opportunity again.
Unfortunately, my parents cannot afford the cost of the service dog and I need help to raise funds quickly. Therefore I'm sending this out to friends and family in the hopes they'll send it to their friends and family. With the help of the community around me I will be able to raise the funds I need. I will be extremely grateful for any help I receive in my quest.
I live with the challenge of my condition each day and because of the unpredictable nature and frequency of my seizures, I cannot be left alone. Without warning, my life can be in danger. My parents have been my protectors for all of my life and they've done everything to keep me safe. My older brother and sister have been tremendously helpful even at the expense of their own wants and needs. As I get older and more independent, I just want to do some of the things that normal kids my age do. It's really hard not being able to jump on my bike and ride down the block or even spend time in my own room without someone to watch me.
Realizing that I will be entering middle school next year, my parents started exploring the possibility of a service dog. A service dog will give me the freedom and security to help overcome some of my limitations. In addition to giving my family peace of mind, a service dog can even save my life. These dogs are uniquely sensitive to my seizures and are specially trained to alert people around me of a possible seizure so I can get to a safe place.
Working with the Chelsea Foundation my mother started looking for a service dog that might fit my needs. They helped us discover an organization by the name of Domesti-Pups, which trains and places service dogs with families just like mine.
The process for training and placing the dog is expensive and time consuming. It normally takes 2 years to find and train a dog. As timing and luck would have it there happens to be a dog available this May. Just in time for me as I go to middle school. It may take another 2 years before I get this opportunity again.
Unfortunately, my parents cannot afford the cost of the service dog and I need help to raise funds quickly. Therefore I'm sending this out to friends and family in the hopes they'll send it to their friends and family. With the help of the community around me I will be able to raise the funds I need. I will be extremely grateful for any help I receive in my quest.
Organizer
Kevin Birka
Organizer
Aurora, CO
