My name is Riley Theis and I am a collegiate athlete with epilepsy. I was diagnosed with juvenile epilepsy at twelve, and at nineteen, it continues to shape my daily life. After my diagnosis, I went through constant appointments, bloodwork, and EEGs, adjusting medications in hopes of gaining control. For a while, things improved—until I had my first tonic-clonic seizure at school in November 2024. Waking up confused and surrounded by people was terrifying, and it marked the beginning of a more unpredictable chapter. I was then diagnosed with both absent and tonic-clonic seizures, leading to repeated medication changes and ongoing uncertainty.

Over the past year, I experienced multiple tonic-clonic seizures, each one reinforcing how unpredictable epilepsy can be. The most severe occurred in February 2026, when I had a seizure alone in my dorm room. I ended up hitting my head and suffered a concussion. Recovery is slow and overwhelming, ultimately forcing me to take a medical leave during my freshman year of college. Choosing my health over school and softball was difficult, but necessary.

Living with epilepsy means living with constant uncertainty—never knowing when a seizure will occur or how severe it will be. Because of this, getting a service/seizure-alert dog would be life-changing for me. A service/seizure-alert dog could detect early warning signs, alert me before a seizure happens, and even get help if I am alone. In situations like the seizure I had in my dorm, a service dog could have prevented injury or shortened my recovery time by ensuring I was not left unattended. Beyond safety, having a service dog would give me back a sense of independence and confidence, allowing me to return to school, participate in daily activities, and feel more secure in public and private settings.

In addition, a service dog would provide emotional support during the anxiety that comes with epilepsy. Knowing I have a constant companion trained to respond in emergencies would ease the mental burden of always anticipating the worst. It would not only improve my quality of life but also allow me to focus more on my goals rather than my fears.

I really hope you consider donating. Thank you.

-Riley and Family :)