"Paws" For A Cause, Help Maddy Get A Service Dog

Hi my name is Madelyn Sanders and I am currently raising money to get a service dog. I was born with Spina Bifida and tethered cord syndrome which has caused a number of other health conditions and has impacted many systems in my body. This has lead to me with being diagnosed with another connective tissue disorder called Ehlers Danlos Syndrome Spectrum and possible other neuromuscular disorder. These all together have caused joint dislocations, sublaxations, muscle fatigue and spasms, balance issues, and insntability. I was also diagnosed with POTs syndrome which has caused heartrate issues, heat intolerance, pre-syncope, passing out, and more that has severely affected my ability to preform and carry out everyday activities. Some of the most taxing conditions have been Vascular Compressions. This includes Superior Mesenteric Artery Syndrome (compression of the sma/intestines), Nutcracker Syndrome (compression of the renal veins/kidneys), May Thurner Syndrome (compression of the iliac vein/blood flow to the legs), Pelvic Congestion Syndrome (compression of the blood vessels in the pelvis), and Thorasic Outlet Syndrome (compression of the thoracic outlet/blood flow to the arms). This has left me admitted to the hospital 11 times this year with over 200 days spent in the hospital and has taken hard tolls on my body with the most recent being my ability to eat without the use of a feeding tube and a central line for TPN (iv nutrition). My conditions have caused me to have 12 major surgeries since December of 2023 with countless minor surgeries and procedures. I will be having at least 2 more Major surgeries within this year. My ability to attend school in person has also been taken away due to the inability to know what is coming next healthwise.

In reaserching things that would help with my quality of life we discovered the benefit of service dogs. The tasks that a specialty trained service dog would preform would allow me to live a more independent life while granting me the freedom to do things like going on outings and to school without worring about the taxing and stressful events and symptoms that my health causes.

We found a service dog organization that we believe is perfect to fit the unique needs that come with a individulised dog. We picked up our Service Dog In Training Mack, however unfortunately since service dogs are so highly trained they come with a very heafty price tag. A fully trained dog costs at lowest around $20,000 which is a big bill to pay on top of constant hospitilizations and the medical bills that come with this. Any assistance that you are willing to donate towards my cause is very greatly appreciated and not at all expected. This dog is an investment in my health and wellbeing both mentally and physically and would benefit me in more ways than explainable and would change my life. Thank you so much for your continued support :)