Matteus' Diabetic Dog

Matteus was diagnosed with Asperger’s Syndrome at age 4, and with Type 1 Diabetes in 2nd grade. He has been living with diabetes day in and day out for 10 years. He has pricked his fingers over 18,000 times, had several low blood sugar seizures, and multiple dangerously high blood sugars. He needs to monitor his blood sugar every single moment – it affects his daily life, as well as his family’s lives, and can never be neglected. It can affect his school work, driving, sleep, and a host of other things. Complications from diabetes can be life threating – heart disease, kidney disease, eye problems, and nerve damage, to name a few.

Matteus is now 18 years old, and will soon be going to college. Having a diabetic alert dog will give Matteus the support, comfort, and safety he needs to become more and more independent as he goes to college. Diabetic alert service dogs are nothing short of miraculous – they will be able to alert Matteus to high and low blood sugars, retrieve glucagon or juice boxes, and even dial 911 on a special device. Matteus is very excited to have a companion that will not just keep him safe, but will also help him adjust to some of the social challenges that come with Asperger’s Syndrome. 

We are asking your help to raise the $25,000 needed to get one of these amazing dogs.