The photos are of Scout, the service dog I am in contract to receive and raising funds for.

My name is Joshua, and I am a full-time college student living with autism and hearing loss. I am working hard toward my dream of becoming a social worker for deaf students like myself, but right now, I am facing a challenge that I can’t overcome alone.

I am in the process of getting a service dog that will help me with both my autism and my hearing needs. The cost of training and obtaining a service dog is more than I can afford, as my only source of income is donating plasma while I focus on my studies. This service dog will be life-changing for me. It will help wake me up at night if there is a fire alarm, potentially saving my life. When I am sleeping, my cochlear implant is off and charging, which means I am completely and one hundred percent deaf. It will also support me with emotional regulation, behavioral interruptions, and managing anxiety and stress, things that can be overwhelming without the right support.

Your support would mean the world to me. Thank you for any and all help in this matter. Each and every one of you are amazing human beings. With your kindness, I can move forward with my education and my dream of helping others knowing I have the support I need to stay safe and healthy.