Stormi - Medical Service K9 Training

For those of you new to my story, April 19th , 2017 changed my life forever. It was the day the bloodwork came back positive and I was diagnosed with Generalized Myasthenia Gravis (gMG) after several years of not understanding what was happening to my body.  gMG is a rare neuromuscular disease that affects all voluntary muscles. Which includes your diaphragm- controlling your breathing.  The signal from the nerve to the muscles becomes blocked and looses function. It is progressive and there is not a cure. I am currently on treatment trying to suppress the disease and help with symptoms. It includes several medications and when I go into gMG Crisis, I receive IVIG infusions. If a gMG Crisis is sever enough, it can lead to a ventilator until IVIG or Plasmapheresis has a chance to let my body recover. 

I have ups and downs daily that I try my best to regulate with medication and have a rigid routine.  However, I do not have a device to notify me when we are approaching dangerous levels. For those of you that know me, I am not a quitter. I try everything in my power to make goals, push my limits and achieve my dreams! 

After 3 major medical episodes that were way too close for comfort, not knowing if I was going to make it,  we decided to start this journey with Stormi. Her name has a very special meaning (see below) and it will always remind me when I have a bad day, I can do anything. That I have concurred more than anyone believed possible and I will continue to overcome my obstacles each and every day! I can and I WILL!


My husband and I could not be more blessed to have her in our lives and there is an opportunity out there for us to be proactive and give me more independence. 

Stormi’s training will begin very soon. She will be gone for 12- 16 months; depending on how quickly she passes. She is already a rockstar so we are hoping 12! But right now, it is all about bonding and her exposed to my ups and downs. Then she will be off to school . Her training will feel like forever, but I know her job will change our lives. 

Her training cost is a ONE TIME FEE that will cover initial training and any needs we may have the rest of her life.  As I mentioned, my illness is progressive, so that means, we will get ongoing support to help me with new tasks whenever the need arises with no additional cost. 


This is where things get hard for me. I am a very independent person and do not like asking anyone for help. Period. But Marshall and I can’t do this alone. We need help. So many people have been encouraging me to not be afraid of the fundraising, but it still is so hard. 

For anyone that feels lead to give, I want you to know this upfront, it doesn’t matter if it is 10 cents, $10 or $100, it means the world to us! If you are unable to give, trust me, we completely understand. We love you! We feel so blessed for all of you in our lives; the support, the outpouring of love and encouragement from all of you to take this step keeps us going each day. It is scary but we know the alternative of not having preventative measures is scarier. 

We love you. We appreciate you. You are family. #Live2Inspire1 

Blessings and love, 
Deanna
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