ABOUT ME

My name is Ashley, and I am living with Ehlers Danlos Syndrome (EDS), Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS), Mast Cell Activation Syndrome (MCAS), Gastroparesis, autism, major depression disorder, and social anxiety. These conditions affect every part of my life, making even simple daily tasks a challenge.

I’m currently 30 years old and just the past few years I’ve notice a decline in my health, more symptoms occurring and a struggle with my mental health due to it. Just this past year I’ve had 3 major falls leading to a wheelchair, crutches and braces. I regularly have to see multiple doctors and specialists, some hours away. There was a time I wanted to give up and though it’s been difficult I’ve been trying to improve my life, I’ve been trying to build my independence, small steps and sometimes failings, I’ve gained the confidence to drive again, I’ve been trying to go places alone more, every day task like shopping alone was almost impossible at one time and can still be a struggle even now. There’s been family vacations and events I’ve had to miss out on because of my health or the physical inability to attend. I want to change that and I feel like having a service do would be an essential tool in doing so.

WHAT ARE THESE CONDITIONS?

EDS is a connective tissue disorder that causes frequent joint dislocations and severe pain, making walking and other physical activities extremely difficult. I was only 11 when these injuries began, and since then, due to the instability in my joints being independent has often felt impossible.

POTS, a nervous system disorder, causes my heart rate to spike with even minor activity, leaving me dizzy, fatigued, and sometimes physically sick. Going through a store can be difficult for me due to these symptoms. POTS is often described as feeling like you are running a marathon 24/7, leaving you constantly fatigued.

MCAS affects my immune system, causing allergy-like reactions, for me the main triggers are food and sunlight. MCAS can leading to severe symptoms that require emergency medication, I keep EpiPens on me and at home due to the risk.

Gastroparesis adds to my daily struggles, making it difficult for my stomach to empty properly and causing nausea and discomfort.

I also live with autism, adhd, major depression disorder, and social anxiety, which add to the daily challenges I face. Due to my autism and anxiety I struggle going to public place or speaking to people, leading to panic attacks which can be difficult to handle when I’m alone.

WHY A SERVICE DOG?

A service dog would be truly life changing for me. The dog could help with mobility and stability as I walk, assist me when I’m sick in bed by bringing water or medication, alert me when my heart rate begins to spike so I sit down before having a POTS episode or calm me during panic attacks. The dog could also help me pick up objects I drop, reducing my risk of injury. Having a dog do these tasks would make my daily life safer and help me regain some independence and confidence at home and in public spaces.

Hope Service Dogs

I have found an incredible foundation called Hope Service Dogs, located in Florida. They specialize in service dogs specifically for disabilities such as EDS, dysautonomia (POTS), autism, and so much more. They ensure all the dogs are health tested and offer multiple training options for them. Looking into them, I feel like it would be the perfect fit for me.

WHY I NEED YOU TO HELP?

Unfortunately, I don’t have the funds to get a service dog on my own, and I’ve been repeatedly denied disability. Even daily tasks or part-time work are a struggle, and a full-time job isn’t possible for me. This service dog would be the first step toward a more independent life, allowing me to do things I currently struggle with. Any support you can give would mean the world to me and truly change my life for the better.

WHY NOW?

As I said my health journey has became harder to handle alone, every time I make progress something new happens and I feel like I’m taking steps back, I want to have as close to a normal life as possible.

Thank you for taking the time to get to know me just a little bit and for reading my story. I understand if you are able to help and still appreciate you. I’m grateful for anyone who chooses to support me by sharing and donating, $10 can make an impact, even if you just donate $1 it can be life changing. If everyone comes together and does what they can it would be incredible. Once again Thank you.