Matt Sprague's PTSD service dog
Donation protected
Matt Sprague is a survivor of human trafficking.
To be more specific, he is a survivor of childhood domestic sex trafficking. Matt was a normal kid who went to school, soccer, church, and birthday parties. The dark side that very few knew, and nobody else believed, was that as a child he was being forced and coerced into sex acts many times over for a long time. This was so impossible for his mind to survive, that he successfuly blocked out every moment and every memory of it until about five years ago. When his mind and spirit finally felt safe, he began to remember, against his will. Matt and I have been fighting for our lives and our family ever since. We made the heartbreaking decision to resign a growing ministry with a church and a community in Iowa, to return home to Indiana to focus on therapy and healing.
As a result of his childhood trauma, Matt is fighting severe post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). He has worked with counselors, therapists, psychiatrists, and psychologists. He has tried a variety of targeted medications. He is involved with support groups. He engages his spiritual life. While all of these interventions and helps have their place in his walk toward freedom, they are not enough.
For Matt to live a functional life amidst PTSD, he must have a psychiatric service dog trained for his specific needs. This is for his daily emotional, mental, and physical safety.
More information on Medical Mutts and the use of psychiatric service dogs:
http://www.medicalmutts.com/psychiatric
http://www.iaadp.org/psd_tasks.html
Together we are committed to this fight not only for Matt, but for every other person effected by sexual exploitation. We plan to pour our lives into others who face this same fight. While we know Matt's needs must be met before we can give of ourselves, we look forward to starting an organization called "House of Love" to be a light in the darkness.
Please help us help Matt, and in the long run, help us work toward ending sexual exploitation for all.
*The total cost of the PTSD service dog through Medical Mutts out of Indianapolis, is $14,000. We have consulted with them and believe them to be the best fit for the best cost. The remaining $1000.00 and anything over this amount will go toward a savings account for the medical care and insurance for the dog, Gabby.
To be more specific, he is a survivor of childhood domestic sex trafficking. Matt was a normal kid who went to school, soccer, church, and birthday parties. The dark side that very few knew, and nobody else believed, was that as a child he was being forced and coerced into sex acts many times over for a long time. This was so impossible for his mind to survive, that he successfuly blocked out every moment and every memory of it until about five years ago. When his mind and spirit finally felt safe, he began to remember, against his will. Matt and I have been fighting for our lives and our family ever since. We made the heartbreaking decision to resign a growing ministry with a church and a community in Iowa, to return home to Indiana to focus on therapy and healing.
As a result of his childhood trauma, Matt is fighting severe post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). He has worked with counselors, therapists, psychiatrists, and psychologists. He has tried a variety of targeted medications. He is involved with support groups. He engages his spiritual life. While all of these interventions and helps have their place in his walk toward freedom, they are not enough.
For Matt to live a functional life amidst PTSD, he must have a psychiatric service dog trained for his specific needs. This is for his daily emotional, mental, and physical safety.
More information on Medical Mutts and the use of psychiatric service dogs:
http://www.medicalmutts.com/psychiatric
http://www.iaadp.org/psd_tasks.html
Together we are committed to this fight not only for Matt, but for every other person effected by sexual exploitation. We plan to pour our lives into others who face this same fight. While we know Matt's needs must be met before we can give of ourselves, we look forward to starting an organization called "House of Love" to be a light in the darkness.
Please help us help Matt, and in the long run, help us work toward ending sexual exploitation for all.
*The total cost of the PTSD service dog through Medical Mutts out of Indianapolis, is $14,000. We have consulted with them and believe them to be the best fit for the best cost. The remaining $1000.00 and anything over this amount will go toward a savings account for the medical care and insurance for the dog, Gabby.
Organizer
Kelly Sharp-Sprague
Organizer
Columbus, IN