Paws for Emilie

About three and a half years ago, I looked at my mom and said, "I have done this all my life and I can't do it anymore." For 16 years I tried to function and fit in not knowing what I was experiencing  wasn't "normal." I soon  suffered from what the doctors basically compared to a computer crash.  After losing  much of  ability to function day to day, I soon found out that I was on the autism spectrum, suffered from sensory processing disorder and several other mental illnesses.   After 16 years my world shifted.   I have  been through much therapy and am starting this fund to go a step further to acquire a service dog for myself.   With this possible opportunity, I hope to  be able to experience everyday tasks such as going to the store, the movies or even walk across a college graduation stage without paralyzing fear.  

Sometimes it's hard to see the light in life.  For me, anxiety,  depression and my other disabilities are like a dark clouds looming over my head, ready to pour on me in an unforgiving storm.  My anxiety manifests in different ways, whether through obsessive thoughts, compulsions, panic attacks, or other physical conditions.  I am often paralyzed for fear of what may happen.  During an intense anxiety episode, I tend to freeze, fall or feel trapped.  On the other hand, during an intense depressive episode, I may lack  motivation and become unable to get out of bed or resort to harmful coping behaviors.  So much light has entered my life upon news that I will be the recipient of a service dog.  The dog will help calm panic attacks, stabilize me during an anxiety episode and interrupt negative or harmful coping skills.  It will also provide much needed companionship and emotional support.
     I feel as if my life is changing for the better and I will get the chance to discover my potential.  I am grateful for whatever you may donate to help with this process.  Thank you for helping me realize my dreams and for turning on a light in my life.

All my love,

-emilie