Hi, my name is Katie 

First, thank you for being here. Whether you’re donating, sharing my story, or simply taking a few moments to read this, it means more than I can put into words. 

Asking for help has always been one of the hardest things for me. I’ve always wanted to be independent and figure things out on my own. But chronic illness has a way of changing your life in an instant, and today I’m reaching out because I can’t do this alone anymore. 

I live with multiple chronic illnesses and disabilities, including Functional Neurological Disorder (FND), Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS), Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (EDS), Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS), Tourette syndrome, Factor V Leiden, and PCOS/endometriosis. These conditions affect nearly every part of my life, making even the simplest tasks unpredictable. 

Over the last year, my health has become even more complex. After struggling with severe nausea, weight loss, and malnutrition, I now rely on a feeding tube to receive the nutrition my body needs. My days are filled with specialist appointments, treatments, medications, procedures, and managing symptoms that often change without warning. I also live with severe chronic pain. Some days I can barely stand. Some days walking across the room feels impossible. There are days when just getting through the morning feels like a victory. 

Then came one of the greatest heartbreaks of my life. I lost my service dog, Mater. Mater wasn’t “just a dog.” He was my teammate, my protector, my best friend, and a huge part of my independence. He stayed beside me through seizures, emergency room visits, procedures, painful flares, and some of the darkest moments of my life. Because of my seizures, Mater helped keep me safe. He gave me confidence to leave the house, knowing I wasn’t facing everything alone. He provided comfort during episodes, helped me feel grounded afterward, and gave me the courage to continue living my life despite everything my body was putting me through. The silence without him has been heartbreaking. No dog could ever replace Mater, and I wouldn’t want one to. He will always have a place in my heart. But I’ve also realized how much of my safety and independence depended on having a trained service dog by my side. 

One day, I hope to begin the journey of welcoming and training another seizure response and alert service dog. From vaccinations and veterinary care to professional training and specialized equipment, the cost is significant—but the independence, confidence, and safety a service dog provides are truly life-changing. Alongside that dream, the reality is that my medical expenses continue to grow. Feeding tube supplies, medications, specialist appointments, treatments, transportation, adaptive equipment, and everyday living costs have become overwhelming. 

Every month feels like another mountain to climb. 

This GoFundMe will help cover: 

• Ongoing medical care and specialist visits 

• Feeding tube supplies and nutritional needs • Medications and treatments 

• Transportation to appointments • Daily living expenses while navigating disability 

• Saving toward the cost of a future seizure alert and response service dog 

Every donation, no matter the amount, brings me one step closer to stability. If you’re unable to donate, sharing my story is just as meaningful. One share could help my story reach someone who can. 

Living with chronic illness can be incredibly lonely, but your kindness reminds me that I’m not fighting this battle by myself. 

Thank you for believing in me. Thank you for standing beside me. Thank you for giving me hope when it’s hard to find. 

With all my love and gratitude, 

Katie