Peter the Epilepsy Warrior: Seizure Service Dog

The time has come where I'm breaking down and asking for HUGE help for our son, Peter. If you know us...this is killing me but we can't do this next chapter alone that Peter has decided he 100% wants.

For those that do not know us. Hi! My name is Katie and I am Peters mother. Peter is our middle child. Peter's epilepsy story started at 3 years old, with life expectancy only being to age 7. Peter has beaten those odds and is now 13 years old.

Over the last few years Peters fight with epilepsy has gotten worse. Peter now sits at having around 50-150 absent seizures per hour. Trying all the meds in the book, learning which meds are not safe for him, adding a feeding tube, surgery for VNS device and the list goes on; nothing seemed to be working. During COVID we learned just how small our "big" hospitals are in our home state. To help our son, we moved Peters care out of state. Doing that gave us hope but that hope is now something that is hard to hold on too. In 2022 and 2023 we were told we are at the end where there isn't anything more the doctors can do to help our son. The team of doctors talked with us about a new study with a device that might give Peter more time. After learning what we could, praying and talking with others, this passed Oct. 31st, 2023 Peter had surgery for the implant of RNS for his age group.

Since surgery Peter has had ups and downs. Due to the downs Peter is being seen by the team weekly. Over the last few months Peter has become more vocal on his care and what he would like in the future. Which brings us to this fundraiser and a HUGE ask. After years of research and trying to find if this was something that would help. Peter is asking for more freedom and Independence where he can go outside and play with his friends where mom and/or dad are not watching every move.

Taking months to think this over as a family and listening to our son, Peter, we are moving forward with getting Peter a Seizure Service Dog. Today we filled out the first part of our application. Service animals can cost upwards of $60,000 with a wait list of 1 to 2 1/2 years.

We have decided to work with a local nonprofit organization dedicated to training rescue dogs as service dogs, Medical Mutts Service Dog. Medical Mutts is one of the very few that works to help train Seizure Alert Dogs. Wait time can be anywhere from 12 months - 18 months with Medical Mutts. Before we can even move forward a $4,000 deposit is needed with the cost being $19,000+.

We know this is huge but we hope and pray that a Seizure alert dog can help Peter by detecting oncoming seizures, providing vital assistance to individuals with epilepsy and more. Dogs are so very smart and can smell the subtle changes in a person's body before a seizure strikes. Dogs that are trained are persistent and responsive. They don't give up until they've alerted their human partner, potentially preventing dangerous situations. With the ability to even fetch medication or alert a caregiver, a trained seizure alert dog offers consistent support and safety, ensuring a better quality of life for those they assist.

With your donation you are helping our son, Peter have a little more freedom and Independence as well as maybe letting this mom and dad sleep a little easier at night.

God Bless EVERYONE who took the time to read our fundraiser, shared our story and to those that donate. Truly Thank You!

To follow Peters story and journey follow us at Peters Creations!

Do not wish to make a donation on GoFundMe but would still like to help with a donation?

Venmo: Kathryn-Klimaszewski

Update March 9th: We have a puppy for Peter. All Funds will go to Cooper care and his training. We have a VERY long road ahead of training. If you can not donate please share our sons story. Thank you!