If you're reading this, it means you've been invited to come along on our journey to raise funds for a seizure response dog for Rachel.
Rach has been struggling to get decent control of her partial onset epilepsy since she was 8 years old. She has been on multiple medication combinations, with limited success, and has been implanted with a Vagus Nerve Stimulator, or VNS. At this time, she is still experiencing anywhere from 5 to 12 seizures per month.
In addition to the seizures, Rachel also lives with a panic disorder, which has made attending public school nearly impossible. As a result, she will be attending an online public school for her last two years of high school. Instead of being disappointed, we are looking forward to the flexibility this kind of learning offers.
Over a year ago, we began the application process at Paws With A Cause, with the hope of Rachel being accepted as a client for a Seizure Response Dog. She was formally accepted as a client in July, 2011 and the fundraising process was begun.
We have been fortunate to have the promise of a $2500 grant from the Chelsea Hutchison Foundation, which helps people with seizures obtain funding for seizure response dogs, and seizure monitors. We are grateful beyond words for their assistance.
We are hopeful that with the support of a well-trained Assistance Dog, Rachel will be able to live the full and independent life she dreams of. We are happy to have you along for the journey, and thank you for your support.
