Service dog for Aria

Arianna Bautista (Aria) came into my life in 2019 when I was a supply educational assistant in her class. Aria is diagnosed with autism and has recently been diagnosed with an extremely rare genetic mutation called ZNF865. Aria began showing signs of autism in her early years and was diagnosed by the age of 2. At the age of 5 Aria began to have focal seizures during sleep, this is where I came into the picture again. I was hired by Tara and Mike Bautista to monitor Aria’s seizures while she slept. I would work with her 2-3 times a week and stay awake overnight to record data and monitor Aria to ensure she was safe during the night, so her parents could get some sleep. Fast forward 2 months and Aria and her family had some major life changes, and Aria began to regress.This is where I jump into the picture again! I supported Aria 3-4 times a week while Tara And Mike both working full time. Aria was going through many changes and had two week long stays at Cheo, she had began to have Tonic clonic seizures, which she hadn’t experienced before. The first major seizure she had Tara witnessed, and the second I witnessed. Aria was rushed to hospital in ambulance both times. These types of seizures can be dangerous and showed that the medication Aria was taking was not therapeutic to her epilepsy. The doctors decided to prescribe Aria new medication. Fast forward two months, multiple hospital visits and Aria still not improving. Aria had a major regression. Aria lost all mobility, the ability to eat, walk, sit, stand, communicate. Aria was admitted to hospital after loosing weight rapidly and was given an internal feeding tube to help her. After being in hospital for weeks she was sent home to begin therapy to gain back her mobility. Aria’s parents worked tirelessly to ensure she was always getting the best care and therapies she needed. They introduced the ketogenic diet to help reduce the amount of seizures and provided Aria with constant 24hr care. Arias health changes frequently, but she has made huge accomplishments in the past 9 months, she walks indepdently and has began to eat again. Arias genetic condition is so unknown and unpredictable because of the lack of research but that doesn’t stop Aria. Aria is the strongest, most determined child I know, she knows how capable she is and is willing to push herself to her limits to keep progressing. Arias family reached out to a local organization for a service dog Charity to support Aria with her mobility and seizure safety, but were unfortunately denied. This denial of service is why I decided to make this page. I cannot see a more deserving child and family to receive a service dog. Aria is an exceptional child with many challenges, she needs a constant companion to monitor her seizures, assist her with mobility and provide her parents a sense of comfort. I cannot think of a more deserving child or family to receive a service dog. Aria’s parents work tirelessly to ensure her life is lived to fullest each day and this family deserves this more than anything. Please help support Aria and the Bautista Family, it would mean more than anything to them... and to me. 

Emily Brown