Help Natalie get her Service dog!
Donation protected
Hello! My name is Natalie and in December 2010, I had a stroke at the age of 34. It wasn't your "normal" stroke. It was caused by a rare disease called MoyaMoya. The MoyaMoya basically limits the blood flow to my brain and caused my stroke. I was in a coma for five weeks, and it took me another two months to return home. I have been working hard to return to a normal life but I did loose the use of my right arm and suffer from weakness in my leg,
Ten years later I'm still going to physical and occupational therapy and working hard to keep the improvements I have seen. I still have difficulty walking on rough surfaces, stairs and on slippery surfaces. I get tired very easily and have fallen on many occasions, often leading to time in the hospital. Despite this, I've been looking for ways to increase my mobility and be more independent. It was suggested I should apply for a service dog. I worked through the lengthy process and I was approved to get a service dog from the Assistance Dogs for Achieving Independence (ADAI) in Toledo, Ohio. I will have to go Toledo for two weeks and go to The Ability Center for final training.
This was great news, but it comes at a cost. It was also good news that ADAI covers most of the costs associated with training the dog. The amount that we need to cover is still more than we can afford. Since the stroke, I have been unable to work or collect disability. It has been difficult with all the medical expenses. Please help me meet the financial requirements to bring the dog home and increase my safety and independence.
We will also need to make some upgrades at the house. The major thing is that we will need a fence in my backyard. I will also need to get supplies and everything I need to welcome a whole new member to our home.
This dog represents a big change for me and my independence and I can't even begin to express grateful I would be for your help in achieving my goal. I see this dog as the next step in my life and you would be playing a big part in that.
66
Please help me improve my life and gain more independence. Your support means the world to me and my family through this journey. Thank you!
Ten years later I'm still going to physical and occupational therapy and working hard to keep the improvements I have seen. I still have difficulty walking on rough surfaces, stairs and on slippery surfaces. I get tired very easily and have fallen on many occasions, often leading to time in the hospital. Despite this, I've been looking for ways to increase my mobility and be more independent. It was suggested I should apply for a service dog. I worked through the lengthy process and I was approved to get a service dog from the Assistance Dogs for Achieving Independence (ADAI) in Toledo, Ohio. I will have to go Toledo for two weeks and go to The Ability Center for final training.
This was great news, but it comes at a cost. It was also good news that ADAI covers most of the costs associated with training the dog. The amount that we need to cover is still more than we can afford. Since the stroke, I have been unable to work or collect disability. It has been difficult with all the medical expenses. Please help me meet the financial requirements to bring the dog home and increase my safety and independence.
We will also need to make some upgrades at the house. The major thing is that we will need a fence in my backyard. I will also need to get supplies and everything I need to welcome a whole new member to our home.
This dog represents a big change for me and my independence and I can't even begin to express grateful I would be for your help in achieving my goal. I see this dog as the next step in my life and you would be playing a big part in that.
66
Please help me improve my life and gain more independence. Your support means the world to me and my family through this journey. Thank you!
Co-organizers (2)
Natalie Comstock
Organizer
Berea, OH
Michael Comstock
Co-organizer