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Hi there!
My name is Erin Novakowski. I am 17 years old, and I have a genetic condition called Spinal Muscular Atrophy. SMA causes all of my muscles to get weaker and weaker over time, most notably affecting my motor skills. As a result of this, I use a power wheelchair, and require help with the majority of my day to day activities.
Getting a service dog is something I have dreamed of for many years, as I know it is something that will benefit me greatly. As of now, I strive to be as independent as I can, but am limited in the things I can do on my own. A service dog would give me an enormous amount of independence, one which I have never before had.
In the fall I will be entering university, and having a service dog will help me make the most of my experience as I enter adulthood and venture into the world on my own. I am very active in my community, I enjoy going out with my friends and exploring my city. At this point in my life, I have never gone out on my own for more than a few minutes. I am also unable to stay at home alone for any long periods of time, for fear of dropping my phone and being unable to get a hold of anyone or having my arm or upper body fall into a position in which I cannot operate my wheelchair. Having a service dog will help eliminate these problems. I will be able to get around my campus, go out on my own, and stay at home alone without having to pay a caregiver to sit with me just in case. Getting a service dog will completely change my life, and give me a sense of independence that is crucial to my journey as a young adult.
I have been approved to receive a mobility service dog through an accredited & licensed service dog training facility here in Alberta. I have applied, been interviewed, and met a current service dog in training. Once I begin the process, the organization will start finding the right dog for my needs. I have no doubt that they will find me the perfect companion to help me each day, and I am ecstatic to begin meeting with them and start training with my future dog.
My cost associated with training and owning a service dog is $30,000. This is not an expense I can burden my family with, as they cover my various other medical and care expenses already, but it is an investment that will benefit my future more than words can describe. Any amount you can give will be helping me achieve my independence, and I cannot thank you enough for any contribution you should choose to make.
If you'd like any further information about me or my journey to get a service dog, please do not hesitate to contact me! I can be reached at emn-[email redacted], and you can follow my adventures online @erinmaarie on instagram.
My name is Erin Novakowski. I am 17 years old, and I have a genetic condition called Spinal Muscular Atrophy. SMA causes all of my muscles to get weaker and weaker over time, most notably affecting my motor skills. As a result of this, I use a power wheelchair, and require help with the majority of my day to day activities.
Getting a service dog is something I have dreamed of for many years, as I know it is something that will benefit me greatly. As of now, I strive to be as independent as I can, but am limited in the things I can do on my own. A service dog would give me an enormous amount of independence, one which I have never before had.
In the fall I will be entering university, and having a service dog will help me make the most of my experience as I enter adulthood and venture into the world on my own. I am very active in my community, I enjoy going out with my friends and exploring my city. At this point in my life, I have never gone out on my own for more than a few minutes. I am also unable to stay at home alone for any long periods of time, for fear of dropping my phone and being unable to get a hold of anyone or having my arm or upper body fall into a position in which I cannot operate my wheelchair. Having a service dog will help eliminate these problems. I will be able to get around my campus, go out on my own, and stay at home alone without having to pay a caregiver to sit with me just in case. Getting a service dog will completely change my life, and give me a sense of independence that is crucial to my journey as a young adult.
I have been approved to receive a mobility service dog through an accredited & licensed service dog training facility here in Alberta. I have applied, been interviewed, and met a current service dog in training. Once I begin the process, the organization will start finding the right dog for my needs. I have no doubt that they will find me the perfect companion to help me each day, and I am ecstatic to begin meeting with them and start training with my future dog.
My cost associated with training and owning a service dog is $30,000. This is not an expense I can burden my family with, as they cover my various other medical and care expenses already, but it is an investment that will benefit my future more than words can describe. Any amount you can give will be helping me achieve my independence, and I cannot thank you enough for any contribution you should choose to make.
If you'd like any further information about me or my journey to get a service dog, please do not hesitate to contact me! I can be reached at emn-[email redacted], and you can follow my adventures online @erinmaarie on instagram.
Organizer and beneficiary
Veronica Novakowski
Beneficiary